The toothbrush, like all other hygiene products, becomes unusable over time due to the amount of germs and bacteria that enter it during brushing. Over time these germs multiply and brushing your teeth becomes unsafe. Natalia Savinova, a dental hygienist at Medicina JSC, told socialbites.ca about this.
According to the expert, the duration of using a toothbrush is a maximum of 3 months. But sometimes it needs to be replaced sooner.
“For example, if a person has had infectious and viral diseases, bacteria remaining on the brush even after recovery can cause re-infection. Therefore, the brush needs to be changed after the disease. The brush is unusable and smeared on the floor or other dirty surface. Even thorough cleaning of the brush does not guarantee its safety for the teeth and oral cavity,” warns doctor Natalia Savinova.
He said it’s also worth it to throw away the old brush if the bristles have darkened, turned yellow, have plaque or mold. Old toothbrushes with worn and deformed bristles can also damage the gums and cause inflammation.
“Even if after 3 months it seems like the brush usage time can be extended to you, it’s not worth it. Long-term use can lead to a number of problems: pain and discomfort when brushing, bleeding gums, plaque and cavities, infection and inflammation of the gum tissue. Toothbrushes with indicators that change color after expiration help monitor usage time,” says the dental hygienist.
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