“I go to my dentist regularly, I floss every day but still my teeth don’t shine like they used to.”
If this sounds like you or a family member try taking a good look at your toothbrush. This is an easy step to take to help maintain your healthy smile and is typically overlooked or forgotten.
So how long is too long? Colgate says, “Most dentists agree you should change your toothbrush every three months. Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new ones. The bristles break down and lose their effectiveness in getting to all those tricky corners around your teeth.” Special note; if you are recently sick it’s a good idea to toss out the tooth brush you were using. No need to re-introduce the germs back into your system.
As for maintenance of your toothbrush, make sure too leave it dry and away from germ areas in the bathroom. Before you use it shake it and tap it under running warm water. For storage, put it in a cup so it stands straight up.