Replace Your Old Toothbrush
We’ve all seen an old disgusting worn-out toothbrush before. And truth be told, we’ve probably all been guilty of letting an old toothbrush hang around far too long. Understandably, you may be questioning whether or not to get a new one, and sometimes it’s hard to determine where exactly to draw the line.
However, if you are even asking yourself the question, it probably means that it’s far past time. Another good tip is to buy multiple toothbrushes at once. That way, when you’re questioning the integrity of your bristles, you can conveniently compare it to an identical new one to see the difference!
When toothbrush bristles age, they become frayed, they’re stiffer, and they’re less effective at their job. You want all the bristles pointing in the same direction so that you can brush the intended area with precision.
A good rule of thumb is to change your toothbrush every month. That goes for electric toothbrushes as well, so make sure you have a decent supply of replacement headpieces. Although they can be expensive, don’t be afraid to buy them in bulk (since you know you will always eventually use them).
Additional Tips
Additionally, you may consider using two toothbrushes, alternating between each brushing session. Switching your toothbrush is better because that allows it to dry completely before subsequent use. (A wet environment grows bacteria and can even re-contaminate your mouth.)
Finally, never share your toothbrush with anyone (even a spouse, child, or other family members). As well as just being gross and off-putting, sharing toothbrushes is a big “no-no” for your dental health, as it can transfer cavity-causing bacteria from one person to another.