Do I need a new toothbrush? What kind should I get?
When is the last time you changed your toothbrush?
Many people only change when they go to the dentist one or two times a year when they're given a new brush in their post-visit "goody bag." You may have heard you should change your toothbrush "once in a while" or after you're sick, but that's a really vague answer when you're talking about something as important as your health.
With so many types of toothbrushes to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know what's right for you. From diamond to conventional heads to soft, medium, and hard, how are we to know what's right?
Here's a breakdown of toothbrush types/jargon for your reference:
Diamond shaped toothbrush
Diamond shaped toothbrushes do a nice job of reaching places in your mouth that can be challenging to clean.
Soft-bristled toothbrush
If you have sensitive gums or sensitive teeth, most dentists will recommend that you use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Medium toothbrush
If you suffer from a plaque buildup, it is often suggested that you use a medium toothbrush in order to clean your teeth more thoroughly.
Avoid hard-bristled
Most dentists are in agreement that hard-bristled toothbrushes should not be used. Brushing with a hard toothbrush can actually do damage by removing the enamel on the teeth.
Signs to change toothbrush
Once your toothbrush has damaged bristles, you know that you are absolutely in need of a new toothbrush. If you are brushing your teeth with a toothbrush that has damaged bristles, you're most likely doing more harm than good, so it's best to change your toothbrush before it shows any signs of damage.
If you have an electric toothbrush, there are typically instructions that let you know the date that you should change out the head. Dentists would recommend that you follow the instructions and change the head when it is recommended.
Illness and toothbrushes
Although it might seem obvious, many people forget to buy a new toothbrush after they have been sick. Once you are starting to feel better from an illness, you should definitely get a new toothbrush. Your germs will be all over your old toothbrush and this could cause you to get sick again. Also, you should make sure that your toothbrush does not touch heads with someone else in your household’s toothbrush, as this could cause the germs to transfer to their toothbrush.
How frequently to change your toothbrush
Most dentists would recommend that you get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. If you notice that your toothbrush has sustained any damage or if you have an illness, you absolutely should change your toothbrush sooner. You want to make sure that your toothbrush remains as germ free as possible. You can help to sterilize your toothbrush by dipping it into a cup of anti-bacterial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide, but this should not be done in place of getting a new toothbrush. This can be a quick fix for an unsterile toothbrush until you are able to go to the store and buy a new one.
If you are unsure of which type of toothbrush you should be using, ask your dentist at your next checkup or cleaning.
