The bristles combined with the strong electric pressure will cause the bristles to fray quite quickly, which is why they should be replaced every 12 weeks.
“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”
"When you don't change your brush in the recommended amount of time, the bristles can become frayed. Frayed bristles are less effective in removing plaque and food debris around the teeth," Dr. Chern says. "Less effective plaque removal can lead to excess bacteria in the mouth, which causes bad breath."
Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet
Many germs and bacteria are easily spread through the air. Try and keep your toothbrush a suitable distance from the toilet where you can. If this isn't possible, think about keeping your brush in a case.
The longer you use a certain toothbrush, the more bacteria will take over the brush. Worn Out Bristles. Another reason you should change your toothbrush every three months is that over time, your toothbrush bristles will become worn out.
In the end, the decisive factors in selecting a toothbrush should be first ADA Seal of Acceptance, second electric toothbrush. Generally, toothbrushes meeting those two factors will be more expensive than those that don't. The greater expense is indeed worth it.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It's around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor.
Bacteria thrive in moist environments and a toothbrush cover provides just that. While it may keep other things out, it also locks everything else in. Your brush needs to thoroughly dry between uses so that new bacteria do not grow and multiply on the surface of it.
The bathroom is one of the most germ-infested rooms in any house, but leaving a toothbrush in a damp shower makes your brush (and mouth) a target for unwanted microbes. Given enough of the wrong types of bacteria, an extra germy toothbrush could even lead to diarrhea or skin infection.
Your biggest mistake is that you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom. Water splashes all around when you flush the toilet, including on your toothbrush. So you really need to keep your toothbrush away from the toilet, so that bacterial infection doesn't reach you this way.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. If you use your brush for much longer than that, the bristles will start to become frayed and worn, and they won't be as effective at clearing away plaque.
If you keep using an old toothbrush, it is less effective at cleaning plaque off of your teeth and at the gumline. That much is obvious, because it's easy to see the bristles begin to bend out of shape.
Excessive plaque buildup can take a while, and a cavity will not appear after one missed brushing and flossing session. But that doesn't mean you should go ahead and skip a day when you don't feel like taking care of your teeth, as neglecting your routine can lead to oral health diseases and future issues.
Boil your toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Although it is hard on your toothbrush, boiling water will most germs. A toothbrush can be put into the silverware compartment of the dishwasher to be sanitized. Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap.
As to how many times can you reuse an interdental brush, well that really depends on how it is looking. If the bristles start to look worn or shabby, or if the wire starts to fatigue (bend or twist), we recommend you throw it out and replace it with a new one. Often an interdental brush may only last for 1-2 weeks.
Wetting before softens toothbrush bristles and rinses off debris. Wetting after ensures the toothpaste melts into your toothbrush so it doesn't roll off. Not wetting your toothbrush means there aren't extra steps between applying toothpaste and brushing.
You should always wash your face after brushing your teeth." This is especially true if you're already managing skin-care concerns and sensitive skin.
In most cases, it's best to brush your teeth before breakfast. This ensures that your enamel is protected and that you don't run out of time before leaving the house for work or school. Sugar-free gum is a great way to clean your teeth and achieve fresh breath after breakfast while also supporting a healthy smile.
Store toothbrush upright, not lying down, either inside of a cabinet or underneath the sink in a closed cabinet. Be sure that air can fully circulate around the brush head so that it can completely air dry, you don't want the bristles to retain any moisture.
Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.
Soak your toothbrush in mouthwash.
Avoid soaking your toothbrush overnight; otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the bristles. Also, don't gargle with the mouthwash you have used to disinfect your toothbrush, because of the bacteria it will now contain.
In summary, it's never wise to share toothbrushes, as they can harbour many nasty particles and bacteria. For that very reason, you should also regularly replace your own toothbrush to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and hygienic.
But when misused, an electric toothbrush can actually cause more harm than good. Using an electric toothbrush won't damage your teeth — but misusing one can lead to tooth damage, sensitivity, and gum recession.
Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake. Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventative care.