The best dentists in New Britain CT advise you to brush your teeth twice a day. However, if you are using a dirty or old toothbrush, brushing as much as thrice a day cannot save you from gum diseases, tooth decay, and other dental problem. Yes, your toothbrush gets old and becomes home to bacteria and germs. Your first line of defense against various dental problems becomes the key source of them. If you want to preserve your precious smile, you must know when and why you should change your toothbrush.

The dental clinic care centers, as well as the manufacturer’s guidelines, advise you to replace your toothbrush every 10-12 weeks. However, there are certain cases where you must do it sooner. 

The right time to change your toothbrush:

The doctors advise that you must brush your teeth twice a day. If you are following the regime and also adding a few brushing sessions in between, you are using your toothbrush to its max potential. You must have noticed that the straight, erect and hard bristles of the toothbrush become hay-wired, dull and non-effective after use. This indicates that the toothbrush has become old. As per the Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), this is the first sign that your toothbrush needs replacement. You must replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. 

What if I use an electric toothbrush, when should I change it?

Electronic toothbrushes are very common and most of us prefer using them over conventional toothbrushes. If you are using one, you must have noticed that the bristles on the electric toothbrush are made of nylon and are shorter than its counterpart. These bristles too lose their stiffness in due time as they have to rotate and vibrate constantly on your teeth to clean them. ‍

Additional reasons to change your toothbrush:‍

There are a few additional reasons why you should replace your toothbrush, including:

• If you have a viral or bacterial infection the toothbrush might be the source or it may carry the infection in it and make you sick again
• In case you are a parent, you must check the toothbrush of your child and if found damaged, change it before 3 months.
• If someone else used your toothbrush by mistake, you must replace it instantly.

It is best to consult your family dentist CT to get more information about the type of toothbrush you should use and when it should be replaced.