When To Replace Your Toothbrush
At Niagara Peninsula Orthodontics, our goal is to help our patients achieve and maintain a bright, healthy smile. While the orthodontic care we provide in our office is a critical part of that, it's also vital that you maintain a strong oral hygiene regimen at home - and the basis of that is brushing your teeth. But how do you know when you need to replace your toothbrush?
Take a good long look at your toothbrush bristles. Really get up close and personal with them. How do they look? Are they tattered, bent out of shape, discolored, or just kind of looking worn out? If so, then it's probably time for a new toothbrush.
Sometimes, though, signs of brush wear are less recognizable. If you brush gently, as is the correct technique, you may not notice when your toothbrush wears down - but that doesn't mean it's not time for a replacement. Your toothbrush bristles can slant and curve over time, which makes them less effective at reaching around the gum line and between teeth, where it's critical to keep bacteria to a minimum. To prevent bacteria build up, mark your calendar and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. This is the best way to amplify the value of your brushing and prevent cavity-causing plaque buildup.
Taking Care Of A New Toothbrush
Once you've replaced your brush, make sure to take good care of your new one to keep it effective as long as possible. These simple steps will keep the bristles clean and strong:
• Thoroughly rinse your brush after you use it
• Store it in the open, allowing it to air dry
• Never share your toothbrush, even with family
• Regardless of appearance, replace the brush at least every 3 to 4 months
Don't Throw Away a Used Brush
The trash is no place for an old brush! TerraCycle has partnered with Colgate to create the Colgate Oral Care Brigade, which is a great recycling program for all oral care packaging - they even created a huge disco ball made of toothbrushes to raise awareness for recycling!
Contact Your Niagara Falls Orthodontist
Have more questions about brushing or want to come in for an appointment? Feel free to reach out to us at our contact page or use our easy online form to schedule a visit to our Niagara Falls, St. Catharine’s, Beamsville, or Fonthill office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we look forward to seeing you back at this blog for more helpful tips on keeping your smile healthy and clean!