How old is your toothbrush? If you bought it more than three months ago, it’s time to change it. According to the Council of Dentists of Spain, changing your toothbrush regularly is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental diseases. Both manual and electric toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, or even sooner if there are signs of deterioration or you have had an oral infection. But why?
Bristle wear and cleaning efficiency
Over time, toothbrush bristles wear down and lose their firmness. This wear and tear significantly reduces the brush’s ability to remove dental plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that continually forms on teeth. Plaque, if not removed, can harden and turn into tartar, leading to cavities and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis.
Several studies have proven that a toothbrush that is used for more than three months is less effective in removing dental plaque. The wear and tear of the bristles can also cause the areas between the teeth and gums to not be cleaned properly, increasing the risk of gum inflammation and bleeding, the first signs of periodontal disease or gingivitis.
Bacterial contamination
The toothbrush is usually constantly wet, and can become an ideal place for the proliferation of bacteria and other microorganisms. Every time we brush our teeth, the bristles come into contact with bacteria present in the mouth. Additionally, if the toothbrush is not stored properly or if it is in a bathroom, it is susceptible to contamination by microorganisms present in the environment, as these can pass into the mouth and potentially cause infections.
The risk of bacterial contamination increases with prolonged use of the same toothbrush, making changing it periodically key to reducing exposure to these pathogens.
Prevention of oral diseases
Not changing your toothbrush frequently can have a direct impact on oral health. As worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque, this leads to the build-up of harmful bacteria on the teeth and gums. In turn, this can increase the risk of developing dental diseases such as cavities, gingivitis and even periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that can be reversible if treated properly, but if ignored, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious disease that can result in tooth loss. Additionally, people with systemic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease should pay special attention to oral hygiene. If diabetes is not under control, mouth problems are more likely to develop. And gum disease can make it difficult to control blood glucose.
Impact on general health
Maintaining good oral health not only affects the mouth, but also the general well-being of the body. Numerous studies have shown a correlation between oral health and metabolic diseases. For example, periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to chronic inflammation, which can impact heart health. Likewise, oral infections can worsen conditions such as diabetes. In addition, a relationship between gingivitis and the development of Alzheimer’s disease has recently been discovered.
Signs that you should change your toothbrush
Although the general recommendation is to change the brush every three or four months, there are certain signs that indicate that it is time to replace it, even before that period is up. If the brush bristles are frayed, bent, or discolored, it is likely that the brush is no longer performing its function properly. Worn bristles not only lose their cleaning ability, but can be more abrasive to gums, causing irritation or damage.
It’s also important to change your toothbrush after you’ve been sick, especially if you’ve had an oral infection, such as a cold or flu. This is crucial to avoid reinfection, as bacteria and viruses can remain on the brush after use.
Electric brushes and manual brushes
Electric toothbrushes have advantages over manual toothbrushes when it comes to removing plaque. However, both the traditional brush and the electric brush heads should be replaced with the same frequency, every three or four months.
Changing your toothbrush every three months is a simple practice that can help us prevent infections and chronic diseases. In addition, it is advisable to follow general recommendations on dental hygiene, flossing daily, letting the brush dry in an airy place to prevent it from retaining moisture, and changing it immediately after being sick. Additionally, to avoid damaging the enamel or gums, it is advisable to use soft-bristled brushes and not to squeeze. Instead of brushing harder, it is more effective to brush as long as necessary, about two minutes.
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