I don't have scientific evidence to back this up. But we've all been at a friend's house or visited a family member and spied a toothbrush in the cup that looks like it's been used diligently -- for the last 25 years. If you are in the dating scene, I am sure there is some kind of deep analysis you can do of a man's personality based on how flattened and shredded the bristles on his toothbrush are. I will even admit that I have been meaning to buy a new toothbrush for a month now, which officially puts me in the "beyond long-overdue" category for trashing the old one and investing the five bucks in a new one.
Why is it that this tool that is key to our oral
hygiene is so neglected? Why do we use a toothbrush several times a
day and somehow forget or ignore for months and months that it
needs to be replaced?
The American Dental Association says that sound oral hygiene includes both toothbrushing and the care and maintenance of your toothbrush. I don't think that's necessarily news to any of us. But I imagine it is a good reminder, even to those of us who are ardent brushers and flossers who very regular check-ups.
So how often should you be replacing your toothbrush? The ADA recommends you get a new one "every every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use."
Why that often? As your toothbrush gets worn from use, it loses its effectiveness in cleaning your teeth. Also, The ADA explains that the "oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms, therefore, it is not surprising that some of these microorganisms are transferred to a toothbrush during use. It may also be possible for microorganisms that are present in the environment where the toothbrush is stored to establish themselves on the brush. Toothbrushes may even have bacteria on them right out of the box since they are not required to be sold in a sterile package."
I personally do not need to spend too long considering the microorganisms living on my toothbrush, whether they are harmful or not (the ADA spells out both sides of that debate here). What I do need to do is get myself a new toothbrush. And while I am at it, buy a few extras to have on hand when my 3 months (not 6 or 7) are up.When I get a new one (or 12, if I go to Costco), here's what the ADA says I can do to take better care of my brush:
1. Don't share it with anyone else. This guards against an exchange of body fluids or any microorganisms that make up your risk for infection.
2. Rinse it well. Thoroughly rinsing your toothbrush in tap water will help remove toothpaste and debris.
3. Let it air-dry. Place your toothbrush in an upright position to air-dry rather than covering them or keeping them in a closed container. They also recommend that if you store brushes together in one cup, try to keep them separated to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Check your child's toothbrush, too. Children's toothbrushes, the ADA reminds, will probably need to be replaced more often than adult toothbrushes.
I will add a final recommendation to those tips:
5. Store your toothbrush as far away as possible from your toilet. If you need to know why, read this.
Now for a bit of oral hygiene honesty: How often do you toss your toothbrush?
[photo credit: Getty Images]
