Cheap as it is, a toothbrush is not something that most people purchase often. It’s no news that there are people that can use a toothbrush for one year or more. Experts warn that not changing toothbrushes often can breed diseases. Ronnie Ntambara, a dentist at La Life Polyclinic-Kiyovu says that it's advisable to change the toothbrush because the bristles wear-out and will therefore not be able to remove the plague which can build up, hence causing gum diseases. Some of these diseases are; gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. If not treated in time, it can become a more serious infection known as periodontitis, he adds. In addition, he stresses that the plague may also trigger tooth decay. This happens when bacteria in one’s mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Ntambara advises changing toothbrushes between two to three months. However, you can even change it before this period when you notice that your toothbrush is withering. He explains that some people brush with so much energy, a thing that weakens the bristles even in a week. Healthline states that you might be surprised to find out that according to manufacturer guidelines and dentist recommendations, your toothbrush should be replaced every 12 to 16 weeks. “The kind of toothbrushes I would advise to use are those with soft bristles that are not sharp, because hard bristles can bruise the gum. Soft bristles assist in massaging the gum,” he states. He also explains that having a toothbrush for a long time accumulates bacteria which can cause diseases. “Keep your toothbrush upright after use to allow bristles to dry, kill the bacteria that would survive in moisture,” he states. He warns against keeping toothbrushes attached or next to other people’s because bacteria can move from one toothbrush to another. The dental experts adds that some people’s personal hygiene is poor and that they don’t clean their toothbrushes properly after use—this risks diseases. While brushing, he says, you should shun away from horizontal movement of the brushing, as the method leaves the food stuck in between the teeth—it also creates fiction on the teeth, which can wear-away the teeth. He says that you should brush vertically and your hand ought to be at an angle of 45 degrees. Alternatively, Ntambara says you can brush in a circular way, to easily remove the debris. ‘Clean the outer part, the inner one and the chewing surface gently.’ He carries on that brushing the tongue and flossing are also important, and urges you to visit your dentist twice a year, or even more depending on your dental status. He heartens you to floss at least once a day. This assists avert and remove plaque and leftover food particles from between your teeth that brushing can’t do—this prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar. He adds that flossing is known to remove more plaque bacteria than brushing alone. The dental expert stresses that brushing your tongue can remove the buildup that causes bad breath, lower the risk of periodontal disease, prevent cavities, enhance taste, and reduce the risk of oral thrush (a fungal infection that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth.) To couples that think sharing a toothbrush is just like sharing a kiss, he discourages it, noting that no one should share a toothbrush with another regardless of the closeness they have. This is because it's dangerous as everyone has normal flora (good bacteria that are beneficial to living species, they can’t cause harm to anyone) but when they are transferred to another person, they can be harmful. According to Healthline, to make the most out of your toothbrush, take care of it the way you would any personal grooming or hygiene tool. Don’t share your toothbrush with someone else, even members of your immediate family. If your toothbrush is stored in a cup or container with other toothbrushes, try not to let the heads touch each other. “After brushing, rinse your toothbrush completely with tap water. You don’t need to use a disinfectant, mouthwash, or hot water to sanitise it. Trying to sanitise a toothbrush in this way can actually spread germs.”
