{"id":842,"date":"2018-05-17T12:20:18","date_gmt":"2018-05-17T12:20:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.distinctive-smiles.com\/blog\/?p=842"},"modified":"2020-07-21T15:23:04","modified_gmt":"2020-07-21T15:23:04","slug":"dentist-in-dublin-17","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.distinctive-smiles.com\/blog\/dentist-in-dublin-17\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Time to Toss My Toothbrush? Your Dentist in Dublin Explains Why"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"assorted<\/a>You rely on it every day to get your day started and as one of the ways to prepare you for bed. We\u2019re referring to your toothbrush, an important tool that you depend on to protect your oral health<\/a>, but is there a limit on how long you can use it? Your dentist in Dublin weighs in to discuss how you can contribute to your oral health by knowing when to toss your toothbrush.<\/p>\n

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Why is the Toothbrush Important to Your Oral Health?<\/h2>\n

The toothbrush is important because it agitates and removes debris from your teeth and along the gumline. By rotating it properly as you move across your teeth, using softer bristles, you can safely clean your teeth while avoiding damage to your enamel.<\/p>\n

The American Dental Association recommends that you brush at least twice a day for two minutes to thoroughly clean your teeth. But is it possible to follow these guidelines and still be hindering your oral health?<\/p>\n

When It\u2019s Time to Toss Your Toothbrush<\/h2>\n

Using your toothbrush for too long can become as hazardous to your oral health as not brushing at all. That\u2019s because bacteria accumulate over time and get trapped in the bristles. Thus, a basic rule of thumb is that you should replace your toothbrush every 60 to 90 days to prevent excess bacteria growth.<\/p>\n

If you get sick, though, you should immediately replace your toothbrush to avoid re-infecting yourself.<\/p>\n

Are Harder Bristles More Effective?<\/h2>\n

When you purchase your new toothbrush, you may consider getting one that has harder bristles in an attempt to clean your teeth as best as possible. Two problems can arise from this strategy, though:<\/p>\n