People have been using different tools to clean their teeth for thousands of years. The ancient Romans used sticks. In the 15th century, China started making toothbrushes by sticking animal hair to ivory or bamboo handles. The idea made its way to Europe. Nylon fibers eventually replaced animal hair, and today, we have countless toothbrush brands available. How often do you need to change your toothbrush or toothbrush head, if you’re using an electric toothbrush?
When you need to change your toothbrush
The bristles on a toothbrush become frayed with use. This means they don’t clean as well as when they were new. We recommend changing your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles become frayed. For some people, that fraying shows up sooner than every three months, so they’ll need to replace their brush more often. You should also change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick.
Keeping your toothbrush clean
Do you need to change your brush because of germs building up? Fraying bristles are the main reason you should change it, but toothbrushes do harbor bacteria. You can keep your toothbrush clean with a few simple methods.
- Washing your hands before and after brushing
- Rinsing your toothbrush well after brushing
- Letting your toothbrush dry first if you store it in a closed container
- Never sharing a toothbrush
According to studies, sterilizing your brush with mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide doesn’t appear to be necessary. However, it doesn’t hurt if you want peace of mind. Don’t try to sterilize your toothbrush in a dishwasher or microwave as the heat can damage the bristles.
Get great dental care at Corvallis Dental Group
Brushing at home with a clean, non-frayed toothbrush is a vital part of good oral care. Visiting our Corvallis office for cleanings and exams every six months is also important! Drs. Jason and Rose Greyslak value strong relationships and treatment plans that fit your unique needs and budget. If you have questions about any of our services or want to book an appointment, please contact us!
