When to Replace Your Toothbrush?

With Spring in the air and warm weather just around the corner many are in the mood for some good old fashioned Spring cleaning. But, once your finished cleaning your home it’s time to start thinking about your own personal health and hygiene as well. There’s no better time than now to replace an old and worn out toothbrush with a new and updated model so you can keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape.
Why It’s Necessary To Replace Your Toothbrush

Since an old and worn out toothbrush no longer has the ability to clean your teeth correctly it’s important to purchase a new one that can do the job right. As a general rule of thumb, your toothbrush should be replaced about once every three months. Otherwise its bristles will begin to wear out, rendering the toothbrush less effective, and an excessive amount of bacteria will start to accumulate. An old toothbrush also loses its ability to fully remove plaque and other debris from the teeth which could lead to dental problems down the road that could have otherwise been prevented.

How To Care For Your Toothbrush

While still in the Spring cleaning mood, you should replace your toothbrush to ensure its cleanliness. You can also reduce the amount of bacteria your brush comes in contact with by storing it in a specific holder or a plastic case. In between uses you should also thoroughly wash your brush with water, or hydrogen peroxide, to remove any accumulated debris. It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush after any illness, such as the flu or an infection, to minimize health risks.

Schedule Routine Dental Visits

Aside from brushing and flossing at home, scheduling annual visits to your dentist is truly the best way to ensure both a healthy and beautiful smile. Visiting a dentist on a regular basis, such as the office of Kristen Ritzau DDS, will give you the chance to ask any questions you may have when it comes to choosing a toothbrush that’s right for you. By having a hygienist clean your teeth once every six months any plaque you may have missed can be removed to prevent the formation of cavities.  A professional dentist like Kristen Ritzau, DDS can also detect any issues before they become too serious by taking routine X-Rays to monitor your teeth.