You’ve discovered the ideal toothbrush! To avoid irritating your sensitive gum tissue, the bristles are gentle. The bristles’ angle is ideal for eliminating plaque. When you brush for at least two minutes in the morning and two minutes at night, the handle is durable and comfortable. You adore this toothbrush and will never part with it… at least not for the next three or four months.
A toothbrush’s lifespan is inevitably limited. Because the bristles become frayed and worn with everyday use, our doctors and staff at Georgia School of Orthodontics recommend replacing them every three to four months. When the bristles begin to break down, they can no longer clean as well, and depending on your brushing style, they may wear out even faster. Note, a child’s toothbrush will most likely need to be replaced every three months. But there are ways to maintain your toothbrush ready for healthy brushing even if you only have it for a short time.
Don’t share. Sharing toothbrushes might put you at risk of infection, especially if you have a weak immune system or are already sick. To avoid cross-contamination, keep different brushes separate when drying.
Brushing should be followed by a thorough rinse of your toothbrush. After brushing, make sure to get rid of any leftover toothpaste or debris.
Keep the brush upright while not in use. The best approach to dry your brush is to let it air dry, as covering it or putting it in a closed container encourages the spread of bacteria.
There are a number of items on the market that claim to be able to sterilize your brush. Their effectiveness is still debatable, but if you or someone in your household has a damaged immune system, give our Atlanta or Gwinnett offices a call to see if it’s worth your time to investigate.
Even if your toothbrush is only going to be with you for a short time, make it as effective and hygienic as possible. And if you find a brush you like, buy a lot of it!
