Skip to main content

Why Replacing Your Toothbrush Is A Must

Dental implants visualization

How long have you been using your current toothbrush? With so much on your schedule, it is easy for time to slip away when it comes to changing out your oral hygiene tools. However, there are important reasons why the ADA recommends that you replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months or when the bristles become frayed. Understanding why you must trade in your old toothbrush for a new one may help you stay on top of the task.

Germs – This is perhaps the most alarming and convincing reason to stay on top of your toothbrush’s condition. According to a study at the University of Manchester in England, the average toothbrush can contain 10 million or more bacteria, including E. coli and Staph! In addition, at any given time there are 100 to 200 species of oral bacteria living in your mouth, which can end up on your toothbrush at the end of the day. It is not necessary to replace your toothbrush daily or weekly of course, but it is important that you clean your toothbrush thoroughly after each brushing session to rinse off these numerous germs. If you are sick, go ahead and throw out your toothbrush to prevent reinfection.

Ineffective – No matter how perfect your brushing technique is, if your toothbrush is worn down with frayed bristles, it simply can’t do its job. You need to have a toothbrush with sturdy, upright bristles in order to scrub away plaque and clean in the crevices and grooves of your teeth. If you have kids, you will want to check out their toothbrush sooner than 3 months. Children have a tendency to be a little rougher on their toothbrush and even chew on the bristles.

Storage Matters

Another factor worth considering when it comes to the health of your toothbrush is where you keep it. In an ideal world, it needs to be stored upright and in a place that it can completely dry between brushing sessions. Also, it must be kept at a distance from your toilet. “If your toothbrush is stored within three feet of the toilet, the droplets of water that spray up after you flush remain airborne long enough to settle on surfaces throughout the bathroom—including your toothbrush—which means you may be cleaning your teeth with what you thought you flushed down the toilet,” says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona.

There is a lot of responsibility riding on your toothbrush, so make sure you are giving it the proper attention it needs to keep your teeth and gums healthy. The health of your mouth can make a profound impact on your overall health. If you need to, go ahead and buy a new toothbrush and mark it on your calendar for when you’ll need to replace it.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

Load more reviews Write a review

Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Social Media

Address

1297 Hembree Rd Suite 202
Roswell, GA 30076

Request an Appointment

Fill out the form below to request an appointment





    678-459-2990 Request an Appointment