Brushing your teeth is one of the most important aspects of your oral hygiene, but you might not be getting the most out of your brushing routine if your toothbrush isn’t doing its job properly. Not only does your toothbrush gradually become worn down, but over time, your toothbrush can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Thankfully, Gainesville dental clinic has outlined when it is time for you to head on over to the store to get a new toothbrush.
Contact our Gainesville dentists today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our many cosmetic and general dentistry services.
Frayed Bristles
As your toothbrush gets older, the brush heads tend to get frayed bristles, and when they can no longer stand up straight, it is a tell-tale sign that it’s time to replace your toothbrush. A toothbrush with bent or frayed bristles isn’t as effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth. Frayed bristles can also be an indication that you are brushing your teeth too hard or aggressively, which can damage your teeth’ enamel.
Your Teeth Feel Fuzzy Even After Brushing
While your teeth don’t have any hair or other type of fuzz, plaque and bacteria can make your teeth feel a little rough. If you are experiencing this sensation throughout the day, even after brushing your teeth, it could mean your toothbrush isn’t removing the plaque on your teeth, which is likely caused by sugary or sticky foods.
You Were Recently Sick
If you recently got over an illness or were sick, we recommend getting a new toothbrush. It is important to maintain your brushing routine when you are sick, but this means that your toothbrush has been exposed to all those germs that were in your mouth. The chances that you will reinfect yourself are slim, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
A Bad Smell
Bacteria live throughout your digestive system, including in your mouth. If you are noticing a bad smell coming from your toothbrush, it might be caused by mold or bacterial growth. These growths can make your daily brushing routine unpleasant and can even lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or other illnesses.
You Can’t Remember When You Last Replaced It
Here at Comprehensive Dental Care, we recommend replacing your toothbrush once every 2–3 months or as soon as you begin to notice signs of wear and tear. If you can’t remember the last time that you bought a toothbrush or replaced it, it is time to get a new one. As toothbrushes get older, their bristles lose their cleaning ability and may fall out or change shape.
Your Toothbrush Touched Someone Else’s Toothbrush
Regardless of how well you store your toothbrush, it is impossible to keep all the bacteria off your toothbrush in between brushings. The same goes for the toothbrushes of others. When their foreign bacteria is introduced into your own mouth, it could cause illness. In addition, when streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria that lives in everyone’s mouths, digests the sugars in your mouth, it creates a strong acid that can erode the enamel on your teeth.
You’ve Been Storing Your Toothbrush In A Travel Container
While travel containers are useful for travel, keeping your toothbrush in this container creates a warm, moist environment that can make it difficult for your toothbrush to dry, which could become a haven for bacteria. After you have been traveling or leaving your toothbrush in the case for more than a day, we recommend replacing your toothbrush.