Our Best Tips for Buying and Replacing Your Toothbrush

When you’re used to using your toothbrush every day, it’s easy to forget that you should replace it on a regular basis. When you need to choose a toothbrush replacement, knowing which type to get is important. Using the wrong toothbrush on your teeth can lead to problems that affect your oral health. Keep the following information in mind to help ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums.

Toothbrush Buying Tips

When it comes to choosing a new toothbrush, you should consider certain factors. These can help ensure that you pick the right toothbrush for keeping your gums and teeth in good shape.

Electric vs. Manual

Should you choose an electric or manual toothbrush? Manual toothbrushes are the traditional type that you move around your mouth in order to clean your teeth. Electric toothbrushes offer a convenient way to practice good oral hygiene. In fact, many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes, since they can effectively protect against gingivitis and reduce plaque on your teeth. Using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual one can help lower your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.  You’ll find several toothbrush brands and varieties available to choose from, and our office will carry our preferred type, so ask your dentist for recommendations for your dental needs. 

Look for the ADA Seal

When choosing a new toothbrush, always check for the ADA seal. This seal from the American Dental Association indicates that products are safe and effective and offer the best outcome when used as part of your regular oral hygiene routine. You should choose a toothbrush that does not have this seal, since it might not clean your teeth as effectively.

Consider Toothbrush Head Size

Toothbrushes are available in varying head sizes. The head size you’ll need on your new toothbrush depends on how easy it is for you to reach all of your teeth. Smaller head sizes can make it easier to reach certain areas of your mouth compared to larger head sizes. For example, you might choose a smaller head size if you have trouble reaching your back molars on the top or bottom.

Choose Soft Bristles

Toothbrushes are available with hard or soft bristles. You might think that a toothbrush with hard bristles will do a better job of cleaning your teeth. However, these bristles can end up damaging your teeth and gums. Instead of choosing a toothbrush with hard bristles, always get one that has soft bristles. These bristles are more gentle while also thoroughly cleaning your teeth.

When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Toothbrushes stop working effectively when the bristles become worn or damaged over time. Using a toothbrush with worn bristles means your teeth aren’t getting the cleaning they need to protect against decay. Keep the following tips in mind for when to replace your toothbrush, so you can continue to have healthy gums and teeth.

Worn Bristles

You should plan on replacing your toothbrush every 3 or 4 months. This is roughly how long it takes for the bristles to become worn or frayed. This timeframe works for both electric and manual toothbrushes. Making sure you have a new toothbrush with bristles that are in good shape is important for cleaning your teeth. Your toothbrush should have bristles that are able to remove food debris and bacteria from your teeth and gum line in order to prevent tooth decay and gum inflammation. Keep track of when it’s time to replace your toothbrush or get into the habit of checking the bristles for wear and tear on a regular basis.

Illness

Toothbrushes should be replaced after illnesses. Some kinds of viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat and others that affect the mouth and throat, can leave germs on your toothbrush. This puts you at risk of becoming sick again if you keep using the same toothbrush. To be safe and lower your risk of illness, you should get a new toothbrush after you’ve been sick.

Ask Your Dentist for Advice

If you’re unsure about when to replace your toothbrush or what to replace it with, always consult your dentist for the best advice. Your dentist can let you know which type of toothbrush would be best for you and when you should get a new one. Keep in mind that you should also floss on a regular basis, and have dental cleanings done every 6 months to maintain good oral health.

If you need to schedule dental work or a cleaning, please contact Cedar Walk Dentistry for an appointment. Our dental team can provide you with the dental care you need for a healthy mouth.