We often underestimate the importance of this accessory. But a toothbrush from a better friend of hygiene can turn into its vicious enemy.
Here is the answer to the question: how often do you need to change your toothbrush to a new one? If you can’t remember, then our mini-educational program from a dentist with 30 years of experience, the owner of a dental clinic will probably come in handy. Alexander Lubyanoy.
So, you need to change your toothbrush right now if …
1. You have been using it for more than three months
All dentists agree that a toothbrush should be changed every three months on average. But this despite the fact that you brush your teeth once a day. If you are clean and take care of your oral cavity in the morning, and at lunchtime, and at night, then this period is reduced for you.
2. Visible deformation of the bristles
The main function of a toothbrush is to clean out food debris from the mouth that accumulates between the gums and teeth, and to massage the gums to improve blood flow and nutrition of hard tissues. If the villi stick out in different directions or become too soft, then such a brush will not be able to rid you of food debris and will not massage your gums properly. It is unlikely to harm, but it will not bring any benefit either.
3. It is inconvenient to hold it in your hands
This sign is one of the most important. It falls out of the hand, does not grip well with your fingers, and it is difficult to turn in your mouth: all these inconveniences reduce the time when you brush your teeth. This does not give any pleasure, and if so, then you will involuntarily try to finish the morning process quickly. At the moment of discomfort, you just forget that you need to brush your teeth for 3-4 minutes.
4. Have had an infectious disease
It doesn’t matter if you have had SARS, flu, or something more serious. Get rid of your toothbrush, as continuing to use it risks re-infection, especially if you have immune problems. And in general, why tempt fate.
5. Returned from a long journey
If you do not have a special “camping” brush and you take your beloved home brush with you on vacation, then it is better to throw it away on the last day of your vacation right at the hotel. The problem is that she may have encountered unknown bacteria that you don’t have in your home. Plus was in a suitcase wet.
6. Fell behind the washing machine, where there is a lot of dust, or in a dirty bucket
If your personal hygiene item falls on a clean floor, then this is not a reason to throw it away immediately. Wash with soap or hydrogen peroxide. Another thing is when it has fallen behind a bedside table, washing machine or bathtub, where there is a layer of dust or year-old dirt. In this case, it will be just disgusting for you to brush your teeth with such a, brrrrr, dirty brush.
Brush with a brush, but every six months you must go to the dentist!
7. She accidentally brushed her teeth by a stranger
It doesn’t matter if a family member or guest who slept took and used your brush. It is better to immediately replace it with a new one – you do not need foreign bacteria.
8. The bathroom was disinfected from insects
If in a room where personal hygiene items are located, cockroaches or mice were poisoned (and this happens in the country, in a country house), and you did not hide things in a plastic bag, then buy a new brush better.
9. You are using a brush of the wrong hardness
You can find out which degree of hardness is right for you with your dentist. Do not ignore the advice of your doctor, otherwise the toothbrush will not be able to remove light dental plaque that remains after eating.
10. You do not follow the rules of hygiene for the care of the brush
At first, the brush must be thoroughly rinsed not only after cleaning the oral cavity, but also before. SecondlyTo avoid the growth of bacteria, do home disinfection regularly. For example, once a week, dip this personal hygiene item in boiling water, a solution of hydrogen peroxide or miramistin. Thirdly, after each cleaning, rub the brush with soap or baking soda, leave in this state until the next procedure and rinse thoroughly just before the very beginning. In this case, you will prevent the growth of bacteria that adore moisture, and in an alkaline or soapy environment, any infection dies. Fourthly, do not cover the brush with a cap, do not keep it closed: only a dry, ventilated state is the key to proper hygiene.
This is useful to know
If you can’t or don’t want to keep an eye on your brush, then buy the more expensive option with a life indicator. Many manufacturers of toothbrushes make special colored inserts in the bristles: the shade has become paler – it’s time to buy a new one.