Think about what your toothbrush does: it brushes away any food, bacteria or germs that have built up throughout the day and night. Essentially, it does all of the dirty work for you. It makes sense that our dentist in Chicago recommends changing your toothbrush every so often to make sure it is still working effectively.

How Often?

It is recommended to change your toothbrush every three to four months to ensure that it is working efficiently. The bristles on a toothbrush are arranged in a specific way, and after repeated use, the bristles begin to fray. If you have recently been sick, you should change your toothbrush because it can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

What Type of Toothbrush?

When you go to your local store to buy a new toothbrush, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of different shapes and sizes of toothbrushes to choose from. Our dentist in Chicago recommends choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush since it is safe and effective. If you choose to go with a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush, keep in mind that if you brush too vigorously, you may damage your gums and enamel. Manual and electric toothbrushes both get the job done and it is purely up to preference. Electric toothbrushes do make it easier to clean between teeth, but if you are a good brusher, you can achieve this with a manual brush.

At Awesome Dentistry, we suggest changing your toothbrush every three months and to schedule a professional cleaning every six months. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment!