Most people grew up listening to their family members and dentists tell them that they need to brush twice a day and floss once to maintain oral hygiene and have good teeth. However, you were probably not told that you need to change your toothbrushes after every few months. You would also not know why this is an important oral hygiene step. 

The reason is simple: every object loses its functionality when it becomes old. Just like that, toothbrushes become ineffective once you have used them for months. After a certain time, they could render more harm than good. Toothbrushes are not meant to last forever. To know the importance of replacing toothbrushes, speak to family dentists in Burlington, Ontario. 

When should you replace a manual toothbrush?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone should replace their manual toothbrushes at least once in three to four months. That time period is enough for the bristles to become frayed and worn with use. The bristles of your toothbrush are the most important since they do the major work. If they go bad, there is no point in brushing your teeth. Bad bristles can actually cause more harm than good. 

When should you replace the head of an electric toothbrush?

Contrary to what is followed with manual toothbrushes, replacing the head of an electric toothbrush every 12 weeks is recommended. Electric toothbrush bristles should be replaced more often than manual ones because electric brushes contain smaller bristles and tend to wear down more quickly. You can switch the heads even earlier than 12 weeks when you start to notice bristles getting out of shape. 

How to take care of your toothbrush?

Here are some things to remember to take the best care of your toothbrush: 

• Think of your toothbrush as an important article for personal grooming and take care of it accordingly. 
• Do not share your toothbrush with anyone, even your children or spouse. 
• Do not let the bristles touch if multiple toothbrushes are stored in one container or cup. 
• Once you are done brushing your teeth, rinse them completely with tap water instead of sanitizing them with mouthwash or other substances. 
• You do not need to store your toothbrushes in a closed container when not in use. Such containers can actually cause the growth of mold and bacteria. 

Your toothbrush is a simple but important tool for oral hygiene. Only use your toothbrush and store it in the right place to make the most of its lifespan. Mark your calendar on the day of your purchase and change toothbrushes every three to four months.