Proper dental care requires not only a good brushing regimen, but also replacing your (electric) toothbrush head as often as need be. Many dental professionals suggest that you should change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles start to look frayed.
Why should you change your toothbrush every 3 months?
Irrespective of the type of toothbrush head you are using, its bristles will become slayed and worn after about three months, causing it to lose its effectiveness. A worn out toothbrush head, with the bristles bulging out sideways rather than standing erect and firm, not only looks bad, but it can also injure your gums by scraping away the skin. In addition, older toothbrushes are more likely to conceal germs that can lead to mouth infections and stomach upsets, which makes it all the more important to change your toothbrush at regular intervals.
Why do you need to change toothbrush?
Additionally, clinical research suggests that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque compared to a worn out one, helping you keep your teeth clean and healthy.
How often should you change your electric toothbrush head?
Compared to regular toothbrushes, the heads on electric toothbrushes are stronger, more resilient and tend to last longer, since you don’t apply excessive pressure when using them. Provided you take good care of your electric toothbrush, as directed by the manufacturer, it should last you between four and six months, though you may need to change it sooner if it starts to look frayed.
How often should you replace your toothbrush head?
There are some instances when you may need to replace your toothbrush head sooner than the 3-4 months range. For instance, patients with gum disease are supposed to change them every 4-6 weeks to prevent bacteria from spreading, while people who have had a stomach upset are encouraged to dispose of the toothbrush they use. This is because germs from your stomach can remain on the brush, causing you to feel unwell again later.
How often should you change toothbrush?
If you go for regular dental checkups every 6 months, you can develop a habit of changing your toothbrush every time you have an appointment, and midway before the next checkup. Also, you should consider using electric toothbrushes – those with oscillating heads, as many dentists claim that they are the best for maintaining optimal oral hygiene.
How long is a toothbrush in cm?
The ideal length of a toothbrush changes depending on your age group. For instance, your baby’s toothbrush measures about 12cm, while an adult’s toothbrush is about 18 to 20 cm long. Children between the ages of 3 and 14 will find it easier to use one measuring around 16-17 cm. That said, the actual length, measured from end-to-end, may vary depending on the brand of toothbrush you buy and it’s specifications for the age group.
But generally, you can expect the following dimensions:
- Baby toothbrush – 12 cm in length with a head measuring 2.1cm long and 0.9 cm wide. The neck should be around 2.6 cm long, leaving 8.6 cm for the handle.
- Children’s toothbrushes – about 16.6 cm in length, with a head measuring 2.3 cm long and 1.3 cm wide. The neck should be around 3.8 cm long, leaving about 10.5 cm for the handle.
- Adult’s toothbrushes – between 18 and 2cm in length, with a head measuring 3cm ling and 1.4 cm wide. The neck is typically 4.2 cm long, leaving an estimated 11.5 cm for the handle.
