How often should you replace your toothbrush?
From extensive research, we recommend discarding your old brush after three months of use. Most dentists will advise you to go through at least 4 toothbrushes a year.
Maintaining your toothbrush
Keep your pearly whites fresh and clean by paying attention to the condition of your toothbrush – if you tend to brush vigorously, then the bristles may get worn out sooner than usual.
This means two things: be more gentle next time, and replace your toothbrush as soon as possible! Torn bristles are not as effective at removing food particles and plaque and in turn, will cause cavity and gum issues, the very thing you are trying to avoid.
What are some of the Best Ways to Prevent a Stain from Forming in the First Place?
There are a few things you can do to avoid staining your teeth. One way is by using a toothbrush with soft bristles. Another is by brushing your teeth twice a day.
Some of the best ways to prevent a stain from forming on your teeth are:
-Brush your teeth twice a day
-Use toothpaste with fluoride (avoid using minty toothpaste)
-Use mouthwash after brushing
What Causes Different Types of Tooth Stains?
Tooth stains are caused by a variety of factors, including acidic drinks, tea and coffee, tobacco and smoking, medications, toothpaste and mouthwash.
Many people have asked what causes different types of tooth stains. There are many things that can cause tooth staining but the most common causes include:
- Toothpaste
- Tobacco
- Coffee/Tea
- Smoking
- Medication
Let’s look at some of the benefits of using an Electric Toothbrush
More forgiving
If we use a regular manual toothbrush in precisely the correct manner, it can be as effective as an electric toothbrush. However, we often do not – dentists included. When we are tired or rushing we don’t brush effectively or concentrate on good technique. Electric toothbrushes require less of our attention to complete a more thorough job.
Pressure sensor
Incorrect toothbrushing technique is the number 1 cause of ‘Gum Recession’ in adults. Sometimes people with excellent oral hygiene can suffer quite pronounced gum recession due to an abrasive brushing technique over many years. While this is keeping the teeth clean, the softer tissue around the tooth retreats making us ‘long in the tooth’.
Electric toothbrushes give us a gentle reminder when we are applying too much pressure in the form of a beep or buzz. They are better at finding the correct balance between brushing effectively, whilst not doing harm to softer gum around the tooth
Encourages children to brush
There are good arguments for children to learn how to use a regular, manual toothbrush. There will be situations where an electric brush is not available and it’s an important life skill. However, using an electric brush can make brushing more fun and engaging for children. And do a more effective job in the process.
It is all about developing and maintaining good habits when it comes to dental care. You may avoid tooth discolouration by adopting a few essential lifestyle modifications that are easy to implement. If you’re a coffee addict, you may want to consider reducing down or switching to another beverage. And if you smoke, get assistance in quitting since smoking hurts much more than just your oral health. Brushing and flossing twice a day, as well as frequent dental check-ups and cleanings every six months, can help you improve your oral health. Make an appointment with your dentist if your teeth seem to be an odd colour that persists despite your best dental hygiene efforts.