How Often Should I Really Change My Toothbrush and Other Tips to Encourage Oral Health
April 22, 2016
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The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every three to four months, a fact which toothbrush manufacturers prominently highlight on their packaging.
However, your toothbrush may not be worn out by then, making you question whether the ADA, your dentist, and every toothbrush manufacturer are just trying to make a profit. Rest assured, though, that this is not the case, says Dr. Zia Rafiq, a Woodhaven Dentist.
“So, When Should I Change My Toothbrush?”
It is best to change your toothbrush at least every three months. However, this rule doesn’t apply if you’re using a low-quality toothbrush. In this case, you should constantly monitor the bristles and check whether they’re losing their sturdiness. If the bristles appear frayed and it hasn’t been three months yet, head to your nearest store and get a replacement right away.
“I Brush with Gusto! That’s Good, Right?”
Oftentimes, people brush too vigorously and end up either tiring themselves or ruining their toothbrush. However, the key to great oral health and hygiene isn’t the effort you put into brushing your teeth. It’s the technique itself.
You need to brush the teeth in a circular fashion. You can also opt for an electric toothbrush. The systematic movement of the head results prolongs the life of the bristles while cleaning your teeth properly.
“We Keep All Our Toothbrushes in One Closed Container. Is That Okay?”
If you live with your significant other or have a family at home, chances are that everyone’s toothbrushes are in one place. However, you should never keep them together, let alone in a closed container. Such an environment promotes the growth of bacteria inside the bristles, affecting your oral health and adding to your dental bills.
Other Tips
Your toothbrush is only one of the tools that ensure your oral health. If you want to flaunt white, healthy teeth and gain confidence as a result, here are some valuable tips you should follow.
➢ Learn the Right Way to Brush Your Teeth – Brush your teeth properly by positioning the head of your brush at 45 degrees near the gum line. Brush the tooth up-and-down with a back-and-forth motion. Try to brush twice a day and, if you can, rinse your mouth every time you eat or drink.
➢ Don’t Forget to Floss – Floss your teeth regularly every single day. Don’t underestimate this process just because you can’t see what you’re flossing out. Put the string you just used under a microscope and you’ll have nightmares! The best time to do this is at night, before brushing. That way, your toothbrush can effectively clean your flossed gums. Just remember to rinse your mouth with mouthwash afterward.
➢ Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes – Avoid tobacco, sodas, coffee and alcohol if you want to keep your teeth white and healthy. As tough as giving these up can be, you can start consuming them less until you finally quit.
➢ Always Scrape Your Tongue and Roof of Mouth – Clean your tongue and upper part of your mouth. The bacteria accumulating there may be the cause of bad breath complaints your friends have made.
If you have any questions or would like more advice, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist.