Changing your electric toothbrush head is an important part of oral health maintenance. You want to replace your brush head every three months, as recommended by the American Dental Association. However, your dentist may recommend you change it more often.
To help you figure out when to get a new brush head, check your bristles. Some bristles are shorter or longer than others. They may also be angled or in a different color. If your toothbrush’s bristles are frayed or discolored, you might need a replacement.
Changing your toothbrush head will not only keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, it will also ensure that you avoid painful aches and pains, infections and swollen gums. A worn out brush will not be able to scrub your teeth clean. It can also cause gingivitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
The best time to get your brush head replaced is as soon as possible, before you end up with an infected mouth. For instance, if you share your toothbrush with other family members, it’s best to switch heads as soon as you can.
Using a smart phone app can give you a helpful reminder when it’s time to swap out your old brush head. In fact, you can subscribe to an automatic replacement service for a small fee.
One other thing to consider when changing your toothbrush is how you store your brush. Try to put it in an upright position so the bristles dry out. Storing it in a closed container can make it easy for bacteria to breed.