How often should I change my toothbrush? Should it be soft, medium or hard?
Frayed bristles signify it’s time for a new toothbrush.
In general, you should replace your toothbrush about every three to four months no matter if you use a manual or electric toothbrush. Over time, toothbrush bristles wear out because they fray, which decreases the brush’s effectiveness. Say you wear braces. It could be that your toothbrush bristles will become frayed more quickly than others who do not wear braces. On a regular basis, check your toothbrush for bristle wear. As soon as you see it occur, get a new toothbrush. “Clinical research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that’s worn out,” according to information on the OralB website.
Bristles on a new toothbrush show no damage or wear.
When you buy a manual toothbrush or a replacement electric toothbrush, you have bristle options — soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. We give our patients a soft-bristled toothbrush, which we believe generally is the most comfortable and safest choice. According to WebMD, depending on how vigorously you brush your teeth and the strength of your teeth, medium- and hard-bristled brushes could damage the gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel. WebMD says that for even more tooth protection when you brush, be sure the bristles on the toothbrush you select have rounded tips.
With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be daunting because these toothbrush features are unique to each patient’s mouth and teeth. If you are unsure, stop by Stonewood Dental during business hours for a free and quick toothbrush consultation. We will take a look at your mouth so we can see first-hand what toothbrush best fits your mouth, has the appropriate bristles and can reach the front and back sides of all your teeth. As you know, a toothbrush is an important purchase because the health of your mouth AND your smile are at stake!
