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An electric toothbrush can clean your mouth thoroughly compared to manual toothbrushes. According to this study, after three months of using electric toothbrushes, there was a 21% decrease in plaque. As for gingivitis, a 6% reduction was seen after one to three months of use, while an 11% reduction was seen after three months. This suggests the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes over manual toothbrushes.
Electric toothbrushes are a little more expensive than manual ones, but they are becoming more accessible because of their growing popularity. Most electric toothbrushes now have removable heads, and for good reason. If your toothbrush bristles are decaying, you can simply swap the head with a newer one.
In this article, we’ll explain how often you should replace electric toothbrush heads so you don’t unnecessarily throw away your good ones.
Reasons to Change Your Electric Toothbrush Head
For several reasons, changing the head of your electric toothbrush is important.
Keeping Infections Away
Some of the most common causes of oral diseases are bacterial and viral infections. A toothbrush may act as a vehicle for the spread of bacteria and viruses. Also, bacteria could build up over a period of time if the brushes aren’t stored properly. In addition, a toothbrush loses effectiveness the more it is used, as the head wears out. This could significantly reduce its capacity to remove plaque, bacteria, and viruses.
By switching out toothbrush heads, the chance of bacterial infection can be decreased or eliminated entirely! Changing toothbrush heads on time also reduces the chance of bacterial build-up and contamination.
Additionally, keeping your electric toothbrush clean can reduce the chance of bacterial infection.
Protecting Your Gums
Toothbrush bristles are made of nylon. The edges of these bristles are rounded off when they are made, leaving a soft edge that is less abrasive to your enamel and gum tissue.
Just like everything else, the bristles of the brushes deteriorate over time due to daily use. These worn-out bristles return to their former jagged-sharp shape. Gum recession, bleeding, and enamel erosion can result from using a worn-out toothbrush head.
In addition to keeping your electric toothbrush head free of bacteria, changing the brush head will protect your teeth’s enamel and gums from being worn down by a strained toothbrush head.
How Often You Should Change Your Electric Toothbrush Head?
Nothing is made to last forever, and as we have read, toothbrush heads also degrade over time. Changing toothbrushes or, in the case of electric toothbrushes, toothbrush heads is part of proper oral hygiene. Using a single head over a long period of time may seem fine for you, but in the long run, it is hazardous to your health. In comparison to a worn-out head, a newer one is more efficient in cleaning your mouth.
You should replace your toothbrushes or their heads every three to four months, or more frequently if the bristles begin to fray or wear out.
When Should You Replace Your Electric Toothbrush Head Sooner
As most dentists suggest, you should replace your electric toothbrush head sooner than two or three months if it shows visible wear. It is always regarded as best practice to change the head before the designated time, even if you do not see the bristles wearing down. This will help you to keep your mouth healthy and your smile alluring.
Setting up reminders is a good idea when using a new head because it will help you remember when it’s time to replace it.
Some electric toothbrushes come equipped with a built-in timer that notifies you when the head needs to be replaced.
If your electric toothbrush lacks a built-in timer, you can check out this awesome guide and find your next smart electric toothbrush.
How to Replace Your Electric Toothbrush Head
Replacing your electric toothbrush head is fairly simple. You don’t need a technician or any kind of tools to change it. All you have to do is:
- Remove the worn-out brush head by pulling it upward.
- Rinse the brush’s handle.
- Making sure it is positioned correctly, push the fresh brush head into the toothbrush.
Depending on the electric toothbrush you own, the procedure may change. You may need to follow the manual guide that came with your toothbrush.
Some Important Tips to Replace Your Electric Toothbrush Head
Although changing the head of your electric toothbrush is uncomplicated and fairly straightforward, it can be challenging for young children or elderly people.
You can easily change the head of your toothbrush with the help of these quick tips:
- Do not attempt to pull the head off while the brush is switched on.
- When removing the head, avoid pulling it too hard.
- The head might be secured in its position with the help of a lock, try to unlatch it first.
- When starting to use a new head, set a reminder. This will aid in keeping track of when to switch out the head and how often you change the head. If this is too complicated for you, you might want to look for an electric brush with a built-in reminder.
- Read the instruction manual if it was supplied by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
The first step to avoiding cavities and preserving your pearly whites is practicing good oral hygiene. Brushes are necessary for your entire mouth, not just for your teeth.
Electric toothbrushes take out the hassle of manually brushing. In comparison to manual brushes, electric ones can clean more thoroughly. The process of changing the head of an electric toothbrush is quite simple. You won’t have any trouble changing your toothbrush’s head if you follow the simple instructions in this article.
Thank you for reading. I hope you’ve found this blog post helpful. Don’t forget to change your electric toothbrush’s head.
