Breaking Up is Hard to Do

How’s your relationship with your toothbrush? Is it working for you? Is it getting the job done well? At our dental offices in Highland Park and Chicago Heights, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your toothbrush relationship should never be long-term. Is it time you moved on to something better?

Toothbrushes are specifically designed to gently and effectively remove plaque, bacteria, and food debris from teeth. But they aren’t designed to last forever. In fact, the American Dental Association strongly advises against keeping a toothbrush any longer. At three-to-four months, toothbrushes begin to show signs that it’s just not working out, and nobody wants to stay in a relationship that’s not working.

Signs It’s Over

There are some obvious signs that it’s time to toss your current toothbrush and look for a newer model. Most clues of an old toothbrush are found in the bristles, so keep an eye out for:

• Fraying
• Discoloration
• Flattening

If you notice any of these signs, head to the store and treat yourself to a newer, better toothbrush. You deserve it.

How to Care for Your New Toothbrush

Like any relationship, you should treat your toothbrush with care for a healthy, three-month commitment. Follow the tips below to get the most out of your time together.

• Sharing is NOT Caring. One of the main things you can do to keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape is keep it for yourself. Sharing toothbrushes means sharing bacteria, and that’s pretty gross.

• Rinse it Well. Following each and every cleaning, it’s important to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush. A good rinsing farther removes any bacteria that may be lingering around.

• Store it Correctly. Keeping your toothbrush out to air dry is the ideal storage solution. Avoid trapping it in a container. Containers encourage bacteria growth.

Not only should you always take care of your toothbrush and use it twice a day, you should also maintain regular appointments at our Highland Park or Chicago Heights dental office. Pairing a healthy at-home oral health routine with professional cleanings is the best way to maintain a healthy, problem-free smile. If you’re in need of a new dentist, give us a call today. We’ll be happy to have you.

Welcoming patients from Highland Park , Deerfield, Highwood, Chicago Heights, Crete, and Park Forest.