This question is actually a very good one to ask. The answer is about every three or four months. When you give your child’s old toothbrush a toss and provide them with a new one you can actually help prevent a cavity from getting worse.
Does this sound a little too good to be true? Your average toothbrush typically wears out around at the three- or four-month mark. During that time the bristles become more and more frayed, losing their shape as well as effectiveness. Worn bristles simply cannot clean off your child’s teeth as effectively as when they are in their intended shape. This lack of effective function allows harmful plaque to build up more and more around the teeth and gums. Plaque produces acids as it consumes the oral debris and food particles which are left in the mouth unless they are removed daily. If plaque is allowed to build on the teeth, the more opportunities for cavities to gain traction.
Providing your child with a new toothbrush will help them remove plaque most efficiently, and the risk of cavity development goes back down. This is why we strongly encourage you to take stock of the toothbrushes in your household. If the bristles appear frayed, then you may want to replace them with new ones. Still, the three- to four-month mark is generally a good baseline when it comes to swapping out toothbrushes.
We hope you enjoyed this tip and find it useful in maintaining your child’s healthy smile. If you feel their smile could use more help, we are happy to help here at Sugarbug Dental & Orthodontics in Oxnard, California. Our friendly dental team and our dentist, Dr. Armand Begian, can assist with your child’s oral care needs by performing a dental cleaning every six months to reduce plaque and prevent teeth and gum problems. We can also keep a watchful eye out for dental issues and treat them early before they become big issues. Call (805) 985-2400 today if you would like to schedule a visit for your child. We look forward to improving their dental health!