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How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
Posted on 2/21/2022 by Evan
Toothbrushes have been in existence since ancient times. In fact, they can be traced back as early as 3000BC. During that time, a toothbrush resembled a thin twig containing a frayed end and it was rubbed against the teeth, aiding to remove food debris. As you can imagine, brushing using this kind of toothbrush must have been undoubtedly a discomfort. However, with the toothbrush designs evolving and better, more safe toothbrushes being designed today, brushing the teeth has been made comfortable, but only if you do it the right way and use the right toothbrushes. The bristle-style toothbrush used nowadays was invented in China in 1498, and although there are different styles of these toothbrushes, their basic concept is still the same.
How Often to Change the Toothbrush
As you continue using your toothbrush by brushing two or three times a day for not less than two minutes a session, you find that the soft bristles start to fray and accumulate harmful bacteria. It is important that you rinse the toothbrush with water once you use it to reduce the amount of debris and bacteria accumulating in it. When it comes to replacing your toothbrush, chances are that you do change out the toothbrush, however, you do it infrequently. Many people are guilty of not replacing their toothbrushes as often as they should.
The average person needs to swap out for a new brush every 3 to 4 months. This is recommended to make sure that the bristles are quite effective at removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria. It also ensures that there is a minimal accumulation of bacteria on the toothbrush. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises that people replace toothbrushes after about every 3 to 4 months.
For some people who have separate toothbrushes they take with them at workplaces or other locations, it means they don't use a single toothbrush very often. If that is the case for you, then you may not need to change your brush as often as you would do if you only had one that you utilize. However, you still have to. If you are using a toothbrush, for example, on work trips, meaning you don't use it daily, you can switch it out after every six months.
How Often to Change Kids' Toothbrushes
Children need to have their brushes replaced more often than adults since they gnaw at the handles and squeeze the heads of the toothbrushes between the teeth. This habit tends to lessen the effectiveness of the toothbrushes to adequately clean the mouth. If you have questions about changing your toothbrush, reach out to our dental team for help.
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Toothbrushes have been in existence since ancient times. In fact, they can be traced back as early as 3000BC. During that time, a toothbrush resembled a thin twig containing a frayed end and it was rubbed against the teeth, aiding to remove food debris. As you can imagine, brushing using this kind of toothbrush must have been undoubtedly a discomfort. However, with the toothbrush designs evolving and better, more safe toothbrushes being designed today, brushing the teeth has been made comfortable, but only if you do it the right way and use the right toothbrushes. The bristle-style toothbrush used nowadays was invented in China in 1498, and although there are different styles of these toothbrushes, their basic concept is still the same.