Terri Ramsey Beavers The toothbrush is one of the most important things in your arsenal against tooth decay, cavities, and the array of oral issues. The fact that oral health has been connected with overall health reminds you of how important it is to look after our teeth properly.
The official guidelines are to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. This is effective at removing most bacteria and other harmful items in your mouth. However, it is a good idea to floss as well and, of course, check out a holistic dentist regularly.
If you’re not already using a holistic dentist then it is worth considering, they don’t just look after your oral health, they like to select the best treatment options for your overall health while looking after your teeth.
Toothbrush Wear
The exact rate at which your toothbrush will wear depends on your style and the type of brush. Every time you brush you will flatten the bristles slightly. These are soft and will fray, allowing bacteria to find homes and start to breed. The more frayed the brush the greater the level of bacteria and the greater the risk to your health. After all, if your toothbrush is full of bacteria you’ll probably be introducing more to your mouth than you’re getting rid of!
As your toothbrush frays, it’s a good idea to replace it every three to four months.
However, it’s important to note that this is simply a guideline. If you tend to brush a little too vigorously then you need to be gentler. Brushing too hard can cause gums to recede, increasing the likelihood of gum disease and infections.
Of course, you’ll also wear your toothbrush down much quicker, you may even need to replace it once a month while you work on reducing the pressure on your toothbrush.
A good guide is to use just your forefinger and thumb to hold the toothbrush when doing your teeth, this will prevent you from putting too much pressure on it. Another tip would be to be gentle when brushing your teeth so as to not wear down the enamel. Couple that with frequent visits to the dentist and you are good to go. Be sure to visit the dentist in niles if you need a recommendation.
Travel Brushes
If you have a dedicated travel toothbrush because you travel frequently then you don’t necessarily need to change this every three to four months, it won’t be getting the same level of use as your regular toothbrush.
However, you do need to consider bacteria buildup. If you’re not using your brush for a while then it’s a good idea to rinse it in some mouth wash or pure alcohol. This will kill any bacteria on it allowing you to store it safely until you need it again.
The Right Brush
You’ll notice that there are several different types of toothbrushes on the market, they vary in size, shape, and hardness. All of the will do the same job and need to be replaced at approximately the same time. The decision as to which toothbrush you should use is a personal one, there is no wrong answer, as long as you’re comfortable using it.