Though you might not realize it, brushing your teeth is among the most important health-maintaining habits you can partake in. This daily ritual is critical for optimal dental and general well-being. Therefore, your toothbrush is a significant instrument in these important battles.
Occasionally, this implement may not perform to your liking or demonstrate certain bothersome traits. One possible concern is when your brush’s bristles become discolored. There are several reasons why this untoward event might occur.
What Causes Your Toothbrush To Turn Colors?
Your toothbrush’s bristles might grow discolored from their normal white for a variety of causes, including:
Excessive Sugar Consumption
If you notice the brush turns a variety of strange colors after a oral care maintenance session, the underlying factor might be excessive sugar consumption. Routine intake of products, such as, candy, soft drinks or baked goods can stains your teeth and, in turn, stain your toothbrush.
Many of these items contain materials like artificial dyes and sweeteners. Moreover, products, like candy often produce tiny particles of sticky residue that accumulates on your brush. Dental professionals maintain this problem may be avoided by either eliminating such edibles from your diet or consuming larger quantities of water, which often rinse away these pesky sugar-laden materials.
Unhealthy Gums
If you notice that your toothbrush contains small amounts of pink or red liquid after brushing, the cause might be gingivitis or other gum-related ailments. Gingivitis is a gum disease caused by the excessive accumulation of bacteria and food particles between your teeth and along the gums. The dental malady is characterized by symptoms, including:
- Swollen gums
- Redness
- Painful gums
- Bleeding, especially after brushing
Typically, gingivitis is precipitated by poor dental habits, such as, failure to brush or floss regularly. Oral care providers suggest that gingivitis may be avoided by partaking in optimal dental maintenance tips, like brushing at least two times per day, flossing between meals to remove stubborn food particles that often get stuck between teeth and undergoing professional cleaning and examination at least once or twice a year.
Lingering Moisture
If you notice that your toothbrush is still wet many hours after you used the implement, it might have collected too much moisture. Moisture is a breeding ground for bacteria, which could alter your toothbrush’s coloring.
High bacterial concentrations could permanently damage your brush’s bristles, which could render the dental maintenance tool ineffective. Moreover, elevated pathogen levels could increase your chances of developing dental infections.
Dental care professionals maintain that you might prevent bacterial overgrowth by not dousing the brush with water during a brushing session, allowing the implement to completely dry before once again employing it and never covering said item. Engaging in this practice will delay or prevent the brush from drying.
Age
Like practically every other implement you have or will own, toothbrushes have a lifespan. Pinpointing how long your brush will last will depend upon several factors, including how often you use it, the product’s quality and the preservation techniques you employ. That said, many dental professionals recommend that you introduce a new toothbrush into your oral care maintenance rituals every three to four months.
When Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
The three to four month average shelf life for the average toothbrush is only a guideline. You might need to implement a new device sooner if any of the following potentially problematic signs appear:
Frayed Bristles
A brush’s bristles become frayed and damaged from overuse. This occurrence significantly limits the tool’s capacity to effectively cleaned your teeth and indicates that your should find a replacement immediately.
A Recent Personal Illness
If you recently got over an illness, such as, a bacterial or viral infection, your toothbrush is likely inundated with microbes. Continuing to use said implement could increase your chances for relapse.
A Foul Odor
If you notice your toothbrush possesses an unpleasant smell, you should promptly discontinue use. This could indicate a microbial overgrowth or the presence of other potentially detrimental materials, like mold.
Which Toothbrushes Last The Longest?
Regardless of a toothbrush’s design or brand, those that last the longest are the implements owned by persons who practice optimal maintenance techniques. You might increase your toothbrush’s lifespan by engaging in practices, including ensuring the brush is thoroughly cleansed, kept dry and in a dry location.
Certainly an electric toothbrush would last the longest, but still needs its head replaced periodically.
Final Thoughts
Your toothbrush is amongst the most important health maintenance tools you own. That said, several critical aspects of optimal oral health, include understanding that such implements have a limited shelf life practice certain cleaning and storage techniques could extend its lifespan and the presence of certain signs indicate the implement should soon be replaced.
