There’s no set time for it. As soon as you see your toothbrush beginning to look worn out, it’s probably time to replace it.
If someone in the family gets ill, however, always change their toothbrush immediately to avoid using a bacteria or virus-contaminated toothbrush even if it still appears to be in good condition.
If you notice someone’s toothbrush needs replacement faster than usual, check if that family member brushes too hard. That’s not good for their gums and teeth. And if someone’s toothbrush appears brand new even after months of use, it may be appropriate to check if that family member brushes properly, regularly enough or are the bristles just too hard?
Go for soft bristles, and make sure everyone brushes properly, twice a day.
How to brush properly:
- Wash your hands with soap and water before brushing your teeth. This makes sure your hands are clean when you handle your toothbrush.
- Don’t brush too hard.
- Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and then move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes or circles.
- Brush the outer side of the teeth (next to the cheeks), and then the inner side (next to the tongue), and then chewing surfaces.
- Don’t forget the inner side of your front teeth! Tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down and circular strokes, for your top and bottom teeth.
Buy the right toothbrushes
Remember to buy only toothbrushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Kids with orthodontic equipment may wear out their toothbrushes fast. To help them brush better we suggest the Oral B orthodontic toothbrush that has multi-length bristles to accommodate the braces hardware. Additionally, an electric toothbrush might be a great tool to reduce some of the dexterity requirements for excellent oral care. Whether you have braces or not, you and your family can try different toothbrushes and discover what works for you. The best toothbrush is the one that gets used!
Store your toothbrush properly
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush under running water to remove residue. Use your thumb if needed to flick away any clinging toothpaste.
Tap off excess water and store your toothbrush upright in open air so it can dry properly.
Keep your toothbrush far away from the toilet and/or close the lid before flushing so your toilet doesn’t contaminate the rest of your bathroom.
Invest in a steripod or a UV sterilizer to help maintain the optimal cleanliness of your oral care items.
Happy brushing!
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan has specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly and newly renovated office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. Our pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults and are proud to be Premier Providers of Invisalign and Invisalign Teen services. We have the ability to treat all patients with compassion and individuality, including those that may have special needs as we have treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy and customized care options. We pioneered valued hospital affiliations to allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John Macomb Hospital, when appropriate or necessary, and our specialists are also proud to be on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
