Did you know that your oral hygiene and general health are affected by the number of times you change your toothbrush? As a rule of thumb, we recommend replacing your toothbrush about every 3 months with a regular toothbrush and as often as the manufacturer suggests for your electric toothbrush. The question is...
Germ hangout
If you keep your toothbrush too long, it can harbour germs that might make you sick. These germs sit on the bristles of your brush, waiting to pounce onto your teeth and into your body. Even if you thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after every use, not every germ will wash down the drain. The longer you go without changing your toothbrush, the more likely it is for you to ingest these germs during regular brushing.
If you have a cold, these germs get on your toothbrush and have a chance of re-infecting you with the virus again. If you have been sick, it is a good idea to get a new toothbrush and throw out the old one even if it was used less than the recommended time. Purchasing a new toothbrush is much better than having to call in sick to work for an extra few days due to something that could have been avoided.
Is your toothbrush not working like it used to? You may have used it for too long and the bristles have lost their ability to do their job. Look at your toothbrush, if the bristles are frayed then it is a sign it is past time for you to replace your toothbrush. Frayed bristles are unable to get into the spots between your teeth or properly brush along your gumline. With a frayed toothbrush, you are brushing your teeth without getting positive results.
Do you notice a film on your toothbrush? You might not be storing it properly. As insignificant as it might seem to store your toothbrush the right way, it can have a big impact on your health.
Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet. Every time you flush fine particles from the toilet bowl can spray out into your bathroom and onto your toothbrush. Yuck! This can make you sick. Let your toothbrush air dry and put it away somewhere that is far from the toilet. It is ideal to store your toothbrush in a closed compartment like a container or drawer.
Along with brushing and flossing your teeth, dental cleanings in Calgary are a huge help in keeping positive oral health. Dental cleaning in Calgary will get rid of excess plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. Your breath is kept fresh when you get regular dental cleanings. Your hygienist will show you how to enhance your regular brushing and flossing routine and give you a new toothbrush to use at the end of your appointment.
