Here’s a simple question for you: How old is your toothbrush? If you are stumbling around at answering this question or you will admit that you simply do not know, then it’s a pretty good assumption to make that it’s too old for you to be using!
Your toothbrush was designed to be a tool to help keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible between professional dental cleanings. However, it can only do its job well if it is as clean as possible. Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria that are necessary to help break down small food particles left behind after eating. While these bacteria do perform a necessary function, they are not meant to thrive in your mouth. Bacteria need to be brushed, flossed, and rinsed away on a daily basis so that they do not overrun your mouth in the form of plaque and tartar.
The American Dental Associate recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months, with six months being the longest time anyone should keep a single toothbrush. Luckily for you, your dentist will give you a new toothbrush at the end of every cleaning.
However, if you are good about replacing your toothbrush often (at least twice a year), there are still some considerations that should be taken that would involve replacement of your toothbrush even sooner. If you have had a bad cold, the flu, or strep throat then your toothbrush needs to be replaced immediately once you have started antibiotics or as soon as your condition gets better. Germs thrive on a toothbrush because of its moist environment. Putting those germs back into your mouth is just inviting sickness to invade your system all over again.
If your toothbrush is six months old, or older, it is time to replace it. Call Pure Dental Health in Buckhead today to schedule a cleaning. We will be happy to supply you with a new toothbrush before you leave!
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