Today we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of toothbrush maintenance. Ever wondered why changing your toothbrush is important for your child’s health?
How often to replace your toothbrush
Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles get worn.
Toothbrushes should be replaced regularly to prevent bacteria/germ buildup, but also to maintain the effectiveness of your toothbrush. When the bristles start to bend in different directions, the brush is not as effective at cleaning teeth and you will leave more bacteria behind. Especially with children who may chew their toothbrush, replacing their toothbrush is key.
Whether you use a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush, replace the brush every 3 to 4 months. With an electric toothbrush, you only have to replace the toothbrush head.
Should you change your Toothbrush after being sick?
Yes! It’s important that you replace your current toothbrush with a fresh, clean toothbrush after you’re sick. The bacteria that caused your sickness can continue growing within toothbrush bristles and reintroduce the illness back into your body while your body is trying to heal.
Experts advise that you replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better, in order to “make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members”.
How to store your toothbrush
The ADA and the Council on Scientific Affairs also has recommendations on toothbrush care and storage. These can extend the life of the brush and prevent harmful bacteria. These include:
1. Store the brush in an upright position. This helps with proper dry-time and gets the brush out of standing water.
2. Keep brushes apart. If you do store brushes together, try to keep the bristles from touching to reduce contamination.
3. Rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing. This will remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
4. Do not store in closed containers. Keeping your toothbrush covered just aids the bacteria to have the perfect environment.
Your Saraswati Dental College team is here to help!
We are proud to be well-known pediatric dental experts in Saraswati Dental College and Hospital. We are here to help you and your child adjust to their new world of dentist visits in any way that we can. If you think it would be helpful to introduce your child to our team before their appointment, please let us know and we are happy to make that happen. You and your child are in great hands with our trusted team and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. If you’re ready to schedule your child’s visit, let’s get started!
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