The Springtime is here! It’s the perfect time to clean your home and develop some new healthy habits—especially habits that lead to a beautiful smile. Let’s start off our Spring cleaning by replacing our toothbrush. (You’ll thank yourself later!)
How do I know when to replace my toothbrush?
That’s a good question! When your toothbrush starts to fray and the bristles point outward in all directions, it’s time to replace your toothbrush. If you’re brushing as often as you’re supposed to (at least twice daily), your toothbrush should start to fray every 3 to 4 months. You should be replacing your toothbrush 3 to 4 times a year.
Best toothpaste to use?
There are tons of different options with toothpaste. Although the type of toothbrush you choose (manual or electric) won’t affect a good oral hygiene routine, the type of toothpaste you choose (whitening, sensitive, tartar control, etc) does have an impact.
Choose a toothpaste that checks off the following boxes:
- Contains fluoride
- Has tartar control or gingivitis control
- Has the ADA Seal
- Tastes good!!
Fluoride helps to strengthen your enamel to protect against cavities (tooth decay). Tartar/gingivitis control helps to prevent tartar deposits and gum disease from developing. Both of these are essential for a healthy, strong smile!
Should I use a soft toothbrush or medium toothbrush?
The ADA recommend that you use a soft-bristle toothbrush! Toothbrushes with harder bristles can actually damage your gums, increase their sensitivity, cause them to bleed and recede. You can even brush too hard with a soft toothbrush, so it’s important to be conscious of how hard you’re pressing against your teeth and gums.
Start off the Spring season the right way with a new, soft-bristled, ADA-approved toothbrush and some great-tasting, fluoride-treatment toothpaste! Try out a new toothpaste too, because why not?