How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

dentist in Tijuana

It may sound strange, but the truth is that most people do not know when it is the right time to change their toothbrushes. It is even common in some cases to wait until the bristles start to fray to change it, however, this is usually a bad idea.

As with the rest of our body, it is important to pay attention to dental hygiene and try to provide it with everything it needs. That’s why we’ll talk about when it’s the right time to change your toothbrush so that you can maintain good dental health.

Dentists usually recommend that toothbrushes should be changed every 3 months since this is usually the useful life of the bristles. Some studies have even shown that it is around 3 months that the bristles begin to break down and their effectiveness in removing tartar from the teeth becomes more complicated.

In addition to this, there is the accumulation of bacteria, which can hide between the bristles of the toothbrush. This problem, in addition to making dental hygiene more difficult, can encourage reinfections in people, on the other hand, if the toothbrush is not properly cleaned, the fungus may appear.

Something you can do to prevent bacteria and fungi from being generated in the toothbrush is to clean it properly. Rinsing the toothbrush thoroughly and then drying it will be of great help, but it is also important to leave it in a clean, uncovered place, in an upright position, to avoid humidity.

In case you plan to go on a trip, you can use a cover to protect your toothbrush and prevent germs from being generated. It is also advisable to prevent your toothbrush from touching other toothbrushes, as germs could be spread.

Why is it important to change toothbrushes?

In addition to the fact that bacteria and fungi can be generated, there are several reasons why most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush. One of the main reasons is that the bristles of a toothbrush in poor condition can damage the gums and increase the chances of developing gingivitis due to the accumulation of plaque.

Another thing that a dentist in Tijuana will warn about is that patients can get sick if the toothbrush is contaminated. In some cases, this happens when it is placed near places where particles can reach it, such as near the toilet. In other cases, mold develops and the patient may ingest it.

What things should I keep in mind?

Believe it or not, it is not enough to buy a new toothbrush to achieve good dental hygiene. It is necessary to choose one that has the right features so that, in addition to cleaning, it does not cause any type of damage to the teeth and gums, because depending on the design, there is a risk of this happening.

One of the tips that dentists usually give when choosing a toothbrush is to verify that it has soft bristles. Also, unlike what is commonly thought, the size of the brush head does not have to be so big, it should be able to cover one or two teeth at the same time.

Another thing to keep in mind is that besides having a good toothbrush, you need to have good toothpaste. The toothpaste you use must contain fluoride so that it can provide more protection to your teeth, and it must also be approved by the corresponding institutions.

To make your dental hygiene much more complete, your dentist may suggest that in addition to your daily brushing, you add other things. The use of dental floss and mouthwash are usually suggested, since they are of great help to prevent plaque and other problems that may affect your health, such as gingivitis.

Electric toothbrush or regular toothbrush?

Nowadays we have a wide variety of toothbrushes, which can make it difficult to choose one. Although we already know that priority should be given to soft-bristled brushes, there are still many doubts about the kind of material they are made of and the designs.

An electric toothbrush is often suggested because its design allows for more effective cleaning. It has even been proven that they improve oral health in a more noticeable way than what commonly happens with a regular toothbrush since they are better at removing plaque.

Another advantage of using an electric toothbrush is that it reduces gingivitis and can also remove stains from the teeth. In the case of people suffering from periodontal disease, it is also a great help to minimize the problems caused by plaque.

However, all this may depend on the needs of each patient, so it is necessary to investigate which products are best suited. In case you have any doubts about toothbrushes or anything else about your oral health, you can consult with your dentist, he will answer any questions you may have.

At Dental 6ta & E we offer dentistry services in all areas of oral medicine, that’s why we can provide you with the best services. We take care of your case in a personal and specialized way, so you can feel comfortable from the beginning.

We take very seriously the diverse conditions that may be affecting a person’s oral health. That is why we offer professional services ranging from general dentistry to specialized services, through our specialists, provide a wide variety of treatments.

One of the things that characterize us at Dental 6ta & E is the variety of treatments we offer our patients. Our team of experts works with both traditional therapies and alternative treatments, depending on the needs of our patients.

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