How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush? FL

Did you know, early forms of the toothbrush have been in existence since 3000BC? At this time, it resembled a thin twig with a frayed end which was rubbed against the teeth to remove food debris that was undoubtedly causing discomfort. Fortunately, the design of the toothbrush has evolved… although not as much as you might expect. The bristled-style brush used today was first invented in 1498 in China, and whilst it is now possible to choose from a variety of styles of toothbrushes, the basic concept remains the same. 

The humble toothbrush remains an integral part of our oral hygiene routine and the best way of removing food debris and bacteria from on and between our teeth. 

 

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Many of us are guilty of not changing our toothbrush as often as we should. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush approximately every 3-4 months. 

 

Types of Toothbrush

When it comes to choosing a replacement toothbrush, you may find yourself a little overwhelmed with the options before you. There is a huge range of different varieties to choose from, so how do you know which is best for your dental health? Here are some of our top tips for selecting the right toothbrush for you. 
 

Manual toothbrushes

Hand-operated toothbrushes are still the most popular choice of many patients for brushing their teeth. They are inexpensive, widely available and there are numerous types and designs making it possible to find one that is suitable for everyone. 

Some of the main things that you will need to consider when choosing a manual toothbrush include:

Bristle firmness: many people mistakenly believe that the firmer the bristles of your toothbrush are, the better. However, brushing too firmly with a hard-bristled brush can damage the enamel of your teeth and the soft tissue of your gums. Softer bristles tend to be best.

Head shape: most conventional toothbrushes have a rectangular-shaped head. However, it is possible to buy round and diamond-shaped heads which tend to be better at getting into those hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. 

Bristle pattern: this is less important, but there are varying bristle types to choose from. Your choice should depend on which style you find most comfortable to use. 

Handle design: this is something that may not seem too concerning, but for patients with mobility issues, handle design can be very important as it can make the difference as to whether they can successfully grip and manipulate their toothbrush. It may time some trial and error to find the style best suited to your needs. 
 

Electric toothbrushes

Electric toothbrushes are a very popular alternative to manual brushing since it takes much of the effort away. And, since the head on an electric toothbrush rotates, oscillates and/or vibrates at a rapid rate, some people argue that they are more effective at performing a truly thorough clean. 

There are several different types of electric toothbrush including:

Rotating: the head of the brush spins around
Oscillating: the head of the brush moves from side to side 
Dual-head: this type of brush both rotates and moves side to side at the same time
Counter oscillating: the bristles on this type of electric toothbrush move from side to side in opposite directions
Sonic/Ultrasonic: ultra-high-speed oscillations 




If you would like more advice regarding changing your toothbrush or selecting a new variety, our dedicated and professional team would be delighted to help. Please don’t hesitate to contact The Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Destin, FL at (850) 654-8665 or Panama City Beach, FL at (850) 307-5757.