We all know that the toothbrush that we use on a daily basis needs changing periodically. The question, though, is how often should we do it to maximize its effect? Don’t despair, this is the ultimate post on how to spot the symptoms, why to replace it and when to do it. Read on, get all the information you need and keep those teeth nice and clean all year long.

Why do you need to change your toothbrush?

There are several reasons to change your toothbrush; let’s see some of the most important ones. Remember that you can avoid going to emergency dental care by having good mouth hygiene habits.

• They wear out – Brushing your teeth is basically pressing the bristles of the toothbrush against a very hard surface. Yes, your teeth are made of bone and the repetitive action of brushing your teeth wears the bristles out. To keep effectiveness at its peak, you need to replace a worn-out toothbrush.
• Bacteria accumulation – Not only visible teeth cleaning can happen with your daily brushing, but it also removes invisible bacteria. With time and usage, the bacteria accumulated on the brush itself ask for a change. Needless to say that if someone else uses your toothbrush, you need to change it.

Another reason to change your toothbrush could be that it gets in touch with a dirty or infected surface. Be extra careful with this, since bringing bacteria to your mouth is a very easy way to get a toothache due to an infection.

The right time to replace your toothbrush

Your local dentist will tell you at a glance if your toothbrush needs changing. You can always create an easy appointment with a “dentist near me” and find out. In case you want to do it yourself, these are the symptoms you should be looking at:

• The bristles are mangled or twisted.
• You feel the hardness of the base of the brush.
• It’s been more than 16 weeks of use.

How often should you change your toothbrush?

In order to avoid emergency dental care, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes at least. At this rate of teeth cleaning your brush will last 12 weeks. If you take further steps in preventing toothache like brushing after meals, then it might be less. For doubts, always bring your brush to your local dentist and ask him or her.

Conclusion

Your “dentist near me” can give you an easy appointment and check your toothbrush. He or she can also teach you to brush properly. Pay attention to the wear and tear of your brush and keep that smile shining all year long. If you happen to be in Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, San Ramon or Danville, give Dr. Dalal a chance and let her show you all the insights of proper tooth brushing.