How can I forget the last dental emergency I rushed to my dentist with? Only when I started spitting blood with toothpaste foam twice a week, I realized this is the time to seek some professional help. Let me also tell you the reason why I was being so cruel with my teeth; because the plaque won’t go away and that’s why I was exerting some ‘extra’ pressure to clean up them.
To my horror, the problem was not what I was thinking i.e. plaque; however, it was my worn out toothbrush that was unable to work properly. And did I mention I was using it for the past 8 months. Unbelievably horrible, right? That’s what my dentist Dr. Hopkins had said too when I broke this news to him.
To cut the long story short, he suggested that I change my toothbrush regularly after every 3-4 months. He also quoted several gross examples which were enough to give me chills. Therefore, I decided to act upon his advice and to let others know as well what the importance of replacing a toothbrush is and what signs indicate if this is the right time to change it.
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When Does A Toothbrush Gets Old?
Meticulously look at the bristles of your toothbrush. Do they look frayed, twisted or worn out? Are they no more perpendicular to your teeth and are parallel instead. If you doubt any of these situations, then it is in your own best interest that you change your toothbrush right away. In my case the bristles were almost dead and I was compelling them to do what they can’t, which turned out to be a disaster for me and my gums started bleeding. The swelling is still there.
How To Store A Toothbrush?
Taking care of your toothbrush is equally important to having healthy teeth.
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- Always store the toothbrush in upright position and away from the toilet seat which is infested with germs.
- Don’t keep it close to someone else’s toothbrush.
- Always use the brush when it is dry. Keep it in open air until all the wetness is gone.
- Keep it covered while traveling to keep it away from germs and bacteria.
- It should fit in your mouth easily.
- Go for soft bristles as the hard one can take away enamel starkly. Plus it can also damage your gums.
What toothbrush should I buy?
My dentist always recommends to get a Sonicare toothbrush. Ever since I bought one I truly feel a difference in the way my teeth feel! I use it for the full two minutes until the toothbrush shuts off on its own. You can find one at Costco, Bed Bath & Beyond and the Sonicare website!- See more at: http://www.dochopkins.com/2013/04/02/how-to-know-if-it-is-the-time-to-change-your-toothbrush/#sthash...
