Your toothbrush is your first line of defence against the bacteria that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath; so, it's important it's in good condition to do its job properly.
When the bristles of your toothbrush become worn down, they don't clean your teeth as well as they should, leaving you at risk of plaque build-up, tooth decay and gum disease. A fresh new toothbrush helps to prevent plaque build-up, making sure that your teeth stay as clean and healthy as possible.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends switching to a new toothbrush every three months, but if it's looking a bit sad and already has frayed or flattened bristles, replace it sooner. This recommendation is for both manual and electric toothbrushes.
You should also consider changing your toothbrush sooner if you have been sick as researchers have discovered that a single toothbrush is loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria (yikes!).
Toothbrush hygiene tips
-
Rinse your toothbrush under tap water after you brush to wash away any excess toothpaste and saliva. Then, store the toothbrush in a vertical position, with the bristles positioned so they can air dry.
-
Don't keep your toothbrush in a place where it could come into contact with the head of another toothbrush. This makes it all too easy for germs to spread to everyone in a household.
-
Don't store your toothbrush in a closed container. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mould to grow.
-
No matter how close you are with someone, never share your toothbrush!
-
Do not use mouthwash, soap, or other disinfectants to clean your toothbrush.
But don't throw that old toothbrush away just yet, check out our tips below!
Title
