Most dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months, but few listen to this. Basically, the idea comes to replace the brush when it begins to resemble a shaggy monster and practically stops brushing. Such a brush not only does not benefit, but even harms the teeth.
Instructions
Step 1
Replace your toothbrush when it starts to break down. Bristles sticking out in all directions do not clean out microbial plaque and cannot penetrate into hard-to-reach places, which means that there will be no effect and benefit from such a brush. Also, the bristles that have lost their shape can injure the mucous membrane and introduce an infection into the wounds, which leads to stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.
Step 2
After long-term use, cracks appear in the material from which the bristles are made, microbes and food particles accumulate in them. Because of this, the brush does not clean, but rather contaminates the teeth. Therefore, it should be replaced even with minimal visible wear. Some manufacturers install the indicator in the form of a section of dyed bristles. When it loses color, it's time to change your toothbrush. Tests of brushes have shown that if you brush your teeth for three minutes twice a day, the bristles wear out in three months.
Step 3
Replace your toothbrush after you have had any cold or oral or pharyngeal disease. Viruses and bacteria live on this hygiene item for a long time and with each brushing of the teeth they re-enter the body. Replacing the brush on time will help protect against re-infection.
Step 4
Do not use the brush if it has been stored under improper conditions or if it has been heavily soiled. Such a brush, even if it is thoroughly rinsed, loses its quality and becomes unusable. The more you brush your teeth, the faster and more the cleaning surface wears out.
Step 5
The electric brush head should be replaced every 3 months, and if necessary - more often, when it noticeably loses the stiffness of the bristles and becomes unable to effectively remove food debris and plaque. Too soft a toothbrush can lead to tartar buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and serious dental and gum disease in the future. In comparison, a new toothbrush removes 30% more plaque than an old one.
Step 6
Keep a close eye on the condition of the child's toothbrush. She must always be clean and whole. Replace it at the slightest dirtiness, damage to the bristles or housing. This will keep the child safe from injury and infection.
Step 7
Buy a new toothbrush or change the brush head if someone else has used it. This will reduce the risk of contracting viral and bacterial infections.
