Toothbrushes don’t last forever, but it can be difficult to figure out when the time has come to replace it. Surprisingly, your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months according to manufacturer guidelines. 

Signs You Need A New Toothbrush:

• Frayed bristles
• Your teeth feel fuzzy even after brushing
• You were recently sick
• A bad smell
• You can’t remember when you last replaced your toothbrush

Your toothbrush is the first line of defense against bacteria that cause bacteria, tooth decay,how often should you replace your toothbrush and bad breath. Brushing your teeth between each meal is an excellent way to prevent tooth decay. If you are brushing your teeth for two minutes twice per day, then you are already taking actionable steps to protect your teeth from cavities. 

If you are using a manual toothbrush, the bristles will start to fall out and become mangled or twisted within about 3 months. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also advises replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or whenever they appear to be worn out. 

Once the bristles of your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness, Finger Lakes Dental Care advises that you should throw it out. Without bristles that brush aside food and plaque, your toothbrush quickly loses its efficiency.

What if I Have an Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes clean the surface area of your teeth by vibrating and rotating quickly. The heads on your electric toothbrush still have nylon bristles that will wear down after regular use. These bristles are also shorter, which can lead to fraying more quickly. 

You should plan to change out your electric toothbrush head every 12 weeks, or even earlier. You should be watching for signs of wear and tear on the bristles to know when it’s time to say goodbye to a brush head. 

All in all, your toothbrush is an important oral hygiene tool. To make the most out of your toothbrushes lifespan, you should use only your own toothbrush and store it upright and let it air dry. You should plan to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. It might be beneficial to mark your calendar on the date of your purchase so you remember when it’s time to replace it again. If you have any more questions about oral hygiene, contact any of our 5 locations across New York.

The Stages of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the progressive loss of the attachment of the gum tissue to the teeth. It occurs when harmful bacteria in the mouth continuously produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums and bones that hold teeth in place.  The stages of gum disease or periodontal disease include gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Keep reading to learn more about each stage. 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the only stage of gum disease that is reversible because it hasn’t yet attacked the bones. Typically, gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque around the teeth. One of the first signs of gingivitis is bleeding gums, however, many symptoms are painless, which is what makes this stage of periodontal disease so common. Good oral hygiene and regular dental visits and cleanings can help treat and reverse gingivitis successfully. 

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is left untreated, the disease will progress and the gums and teeth will start to separate even further from each other. This will lead to the development of deep gingival pockets, which can promote bacterial growth even further. These pockets are prone to calculus, which can cause damage to the connective tissues responsible for holding the teeth in place.

At this stage, aggressive dental treatment is the only way to stop the disease from progressing even further. In these cases, the preferred form of treatment is what’s referred to as root planning and if necessary, antibiotics.

Advanced Periodontitis

If you’ve reached the stage of gum disease known as advanced periodontitis, you are at risk for tooth loss and for your teeth to fall out at any time. At this stage, the teeth will have to be removed to prevent the disease from spreading even further. Surgical grafts may also be required to help compensate for the loss of both bone and gum tissue.

Losing teeth is not the only thing you have to be worried about, though, if you have advanced periodontitis. There’s been growing evidence of a link between periodontal disease and other types of complications, such as that of the heart, brain, and even lungs.

At this stage, aggressive dental treatment, regular checkups, and intake of certain medications are required to help slow down the progression of the disease. Further treatments may also be necessary to try to reverse as much of the damage done by periodontal disease as possible.

Periodontal disease can be reversed if you catch it quick enough. However, the longer you wait, the worse it gets. You should get in contact with your dentist right away if you believe you have symptoms of periodontal disease. Call us today at (585) 394-1930 to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to help!