Manual or electric, your toothbrush can say a lot about you. You may be a die-hard, hard bristle guy, or a soft bristle lover. Maybe you prefer to stay in the very moderate in-between medium bristle range. Whatever your preference, your toothbrush may be saying something to indicate the state of your dental health. Unfortunately for some of us, what it may be saying…isn’t always good. Have you thought much about your toothbrush lately? If not – it’s time! Parkcrest Dental Group explains.
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When Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
So here’s the good news: if you’re brushing you’re doing something right…well probably. Many people tend to keep their toothbrush way past its expiration date. Don’t keep your toothbrush to the point of having strangely splayed out bristles, worn down edges or even worse – a funky smell! The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush about every three to four months. Now if you are an aggressive brusher who is particularly hard on your toothbrush it may be more often. You should also keep in mind that if you find that your toothbrush loses a lot of bristles or doesn’t seem to last nearly as long as the recommended changing time, or becomes otherwise oddly shaped it may be time to reconsider HOW you are brushing those pearly whites!
Soft Bristles Are the Best
The truth is that many dentists recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush. I know, we can take a moment to pause here and have a moment of silence. This is for all of you out there who dearly love that “steel wool on your teeth first thing in the morning” kind of feel that you think only a hard bristled brush can give. If you’re one of those people be warned. Brushing too hard can actually do a lot of damage to the sensitive gum tissues that keep your pearly whites snugly secure next to their other teeth’s best friends.
Don’t Brush Too Hard
Aggressive brushing is actually something that can do more damage than good. That’s not to say that thorough brushing isn’t the way to go. Two times a day for two minutes is an industry standard that most people still can live by and feel confident they are at least within common parameters for following decent hygiene.
Examine Your Current Toothbrush
It’s always good to be aware of the state of your dental health and a big part of this has to do with the toothbrush itself. Think about it and ask yourself if you have been sick a lot lately, notice any pink in the sink during brushing or on your brush? Consider it a sort of taking the “state of the mouth union address” if you will. Does your toothbrush look odd? Worn down more on one side than the other? Maybe it has bristles that are widely splayed OR it may have a funny smell. If so – ditch that old scrubber now and immediately invest in a new soft-bristled toothbrush that can help keep you and your mouth on the straight and narrow to pearly white happiness.
Are Electric Toothbrushes Worth It?
It may even be time to consider investing in an electric model. While electric brushes may have the advantage of doing a better job with less effort, ultimately the best toothbrush is really the one that is what feels best for you and the one that will make you want to brush regularly. Storage and care of your brush is important as well. Remember to rinse it off with running water after each use and try to keep it in an upright position so it can air dry between uses.
Related Post: Tips from Parkcrest Dental: Benefits of an Electric Toothbrush
Toothbrush Tips from Parkcrest Dental
The bottom line is that if you haven’t looked at your toothbrush in a while it may be past time take notice of the signs it’s giving you and give it a closer look. Take the time to invest in a new brush to spruce up those bristles to keep your mouth happy and healthy! Contact Parkcrest Dental Group or call (417) 887-1220 for more information
