Studies have shown that the average American brushes their teeth at least two times a day, yet even those of us with a greater dedication to oral hygiene disregard one small detail.
As disgusting as it may sound, our toothbrushes are dirty, and while it may not be the same kind of „dirty“ you’d use for something like a dish sponge, it’s definitely up there.
You’re probably thinking to yourself: „Well, I clean mine thoroughly after every use!“, but that’s simply not enough.
Our teeth are much more delicate than one would think, and giving them the proper care they require is of utmost importance.
This includes replacing your brushes every so often, even if they may seem like they’ve got more than a couple of months left in them.
In general, most dentists and brush manufacturers will tell you that a toothbrush replacement is due every 3-4 months, and that data comes from research done on large sample sizes.
Despite all that, not everyone uses these instruments in the same capacity, and factors like brushing time and the amount of pressure applied can have a great impact on the longevity of both your teeth and your brush’s bristles.
Any dentist that’s worth their weight in salt will tell you that the moment you see the bristles changing shape or fraying, it’s time for a quick trip to your local CVS, and we’re here to explore what other things should inspire you to invest in your dental health.
Germs – Everywhere, and your toothbrush is their paradise
Whenever we eat or drink, a small amount of the stuff we ingest gets stuck on our teeth, and if it’s not removed promptly, it’s bound to cause several health issues.
From plaque to bacteria buildup, toothbrushes are there to help deal with all of it, and there’s no telling what our mouths would look like without them.
Unfortunately, this process requires water, which remains on the brush even after we’re done using it, creating a moist environment that can quickly become home to bacteria and fungus.
As noted above, those are things you want to keep away from your teeth, and having them populate your toothbrush kind of defeats the whole purpose of brushing.
Finally, on top of it being gross, using a brush populated with bacteria is associated with a number of diseases, including tooth decay and many illnesses related to our gums.
Keep the bristles fresh
If you’re someone who applies a lot of pressure when cleaning your teeth, you may have noticed that the bristles on your brush quickly become misshapen.
While the amount of time it takes for this to happen may vary based on the hardness of the brush you’re using, the loss of efficiency quickly becomes apparent.
Just take a look at a new brush and compare it to the one you’ve got back home.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize uniform and perfectly lined-up bristles are way better at getting the job done.
When this happens, your brush may not be able to clean some hard-to-reach places, which ultimately leads to the aforementioned illnesses.
However, that’s not even the worst part, as damaged bristles can actually harm your teeth and gums due to not being gentle enough.
This also means that your gums could find themselves in the line of fire as well, and more often than not, a damaged brush will draw blood.
Give your brush a designated space
Much like you’d think twice before sharing a cup with someone you’re not sure is practicing proper dental hygiene, you should also consider doing the same for toothbrushes.
Most families have a single designated cup for this, but this is far from ideal, especially for those with kids, as they’re the main culprits when it comes to inadequate tooth care.
Look for a brush holder that’s got separate holders for everyone, ideally one that stores them in a way that doesn’t allow the bristles to touch.
That being said, even if you’ve already implemented this, make it a habit to replace someone’s brush when they’re sick in order to prevent cross-contamination.
In fact, many doctors will advise parents to swap out their child’s toothbrush if the little one is constantly getting sick, and it’s alarming how often that solution actually works.
Make things interesting for your kids
We’ve all been kids at some point, and it’s no secret that brushing our teeth felt more like a chore than a necessary activity.
And just when they get used to their favorite toothbrush, you get to a point where it’s all damaged and dirty.
Time for a new one, but hey, how to explain to your kid that his favorite unicorn companion has to go?
To help offset this, maybe look into buying some colorful brushes with your child’s favorite cartoon characters on them.
Naturally, these products are on the more expensive side, especially if you’re looking to buy something that’s high-quality, but they’re worth every cent.
This way, you can actually motivate your kids to brush their teeth more often, with the prospect of getting a new toothbrush becoming something akin to getting a new toy.
As long as it’s a novelty, chances are that it’ll be interesting enough for your kid to change their brushing habits.
The best brush is a new brush
The first step to healthy teeth is giving them the proper care they need, and without the right instrument, you won’t be able to do much.
Think of it as trying to prepare food with a dull knife, you’re being imprecise, risking hurting yourself, and generally just doing a worse job if the blade isn’t sharp.
Set a reminder for yourself or keep a small calendar in the bathroom to know when it’s time to head to the pharmacy.
In general, the soft-bristled options are best when it comes to keeping your teeth AND your gums healthy, but first explore your options and go for what you feel is the best fit for you.
Finally, schedule an appointment with your dentist at least twice a year, or if you’re working with a bigger budget, whenever you feel like your teeth need some extra care.