When do we have to change our toothbrushes?

How often should you change your toothbrush?

What makes you change your toothbrush: The date or the damaged bristles (frayed toothbrush)?

In fact, it’s like your car’s guarantee… 5 years or 100 000 km? The first one to happen!

We hear this question often “How long does a toothbrush last?”

The first thing to know, the Canadian Dental Association and your dentist recommend changing your toothbrush every three or four months.

Up to 10 million bacteria

According to the American Dental Association, millions of bacteria can grow on your toothbrush. By regularly changing your toothbrush, you avoid a lot of them.

Our mouth is a real microorganism nest and they transfer onto your toothbrush; not to mention bacteria which are already in every bathroom. You know, germs from washing hands and toilet… Yes, we should close the lid before flushing, but this is another story!

In these epidemic times, don’t forget to keep your toothbrush far from your family members’ toothbrushes.

Toothbrush Usage – What to do?

A few tips to help reduce bacteria:

•  Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after using it, to remove all toothpaste residue
•  Store your toothbrush in an upright position and let it air dry
•  Don’t store it in a closed place like a drawer, cabinet or travel case
•  Travel cases should be used for carrying your toothbrush, not for daily storage. Make sure to let the toothbrush dry before putting it in its travel case.

Occasionally, you can soak your toothbrush’s head in antibacterial mouthwash. You should also do it if you are sick. And if you had a very contagious virus or bacteria it is recommended to change your toothbrush.

 Rest assured, there won’t be more germs on an OLA Bamboo toothbrush than on a plastic one, because bamboo has natural antimicrobial proprieties.

 Brushing method – How to use a toothbrush?

 Another way to know it’s time to replace toothbrush: the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. It’s important to apply gentle pressure when brushing your teeth. Hard scrubbing isn’t good for your gums and it’ll damage the bristles quickly.

Here is some information to have a good brushing technique.

Yes, we have to change our toothbrushes often, luckily OLA Bamboo offers an eco-friendly toothbrush with a compostable handle! 

Still, have questions? Well, here are the answers to the most common ones-

Why is it important to change your toothbrush every 3 months?

1. With time your toothbrush bristles become frayed and frayed bristles are harsh on your gums and can cause inflammation.

2. In addition to gums, frayed bristles don’t do the proper cleaning leading to cavities and other dental problems.

3. As mention above in the article bacteria starts to build up in your bristles, which is bad for your oral hygiene and overall health.

What is the correct way to brush teeth?

1. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

2. Start brushing in a circular motion with gentle up-and-down strokes.

3. Repeat on inside surface of the front teeth.

4. Brush gently back and forth on the chewing surfaces.

Is brushing your teeth 3 times a day bad?

It is ideal to brush 3 times a day, once after each meal of the day. This will help to control the growth of bacteria in your mouth but not more than 3 times a day. It is recommended to wait for at least an hour after each meal as frequent brushing can damage the enamel of your teeth.

How long should I brush my teeth for?

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day. Brushing for too long is not good for your gums and teeth enamel.