Are you changing your toothbrush often enough? This might convince you to start

Yes, they have a lifespan

You’d never willingly expose your mouth to nasty bacteria, would you? Well, new research says many Aussies are using their toothbrushes for far too long, putting their oral health at risk. 

While we’d never admit it to our dentist at our 6-month check-up, a hefty percentage of us are likely exaggerating our oral hygiene habits. While Aussies generally seem to understand the importance of brushing their teeth twice daily, there are other practices we’re seemingly ignoring, new research says. 

Unless you’re someone who actually flosses every single night, following the recommendations to a tee, you could be placing your oral health at risk – of decay, discolouration, and a shocking bill at your next check-up. 

But in addition to brushing and flossing, one simple hygiene habit is being largely overlooked by many Australians, according to a new survey by Colgate.

As the stats demonstrate, up to 40 per cent of Aussies aren’t properly abiding by professional advice. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), any toothbrush (or toothbrush head for the electric girlies out there) should be swapped out and disposed of every three months. 

Keeping any for longer not only leaves you with a worn, less effective brush but over-exposes your teeth and gums to harmful germs and bacteria. 

“When the toothbrush is worn, the bristles are not able to effectively brush the surfaces of the teeth to remove bacteria,” explains Dr Mikaela Chinotti, ADA Oral Health Promoter and dentist. 

“If your toothbrush isn’t cleaning well, this can leave you at risk of bacteria building up on the teeth which can cause tooth decay or gum disease. A good comparison is like using a worn-out broom to clean your floors.” 

Are you paying attention to your flossing habits too? Image: iStock

Who are the worst toothbrush-hoarding culprits?

Whether for sentimental reasons or the ever-increasing cost of living, the research has found younger Aussies are the worst culprits, with 47 per cent of people aged 25 to 34 years and 45 per cent of those 18 to 24 years holding onto their brush for longer than recommended.

On the gender front, 41 per cent of men were found to neglect their oral hygiene and toothbrush turnaround, compared to 39 per cent of women. 

But what kind of toothbrush is best for removing our daily plaque and bacteria buildup? As Dr Chinotti explains, the type of toothbrush you use (electric or manual) is far less important than your actual brushing technique. 

“Following the same routine every day when brushing can help you to ensure all surfaces are effectively reached each time you brush,” she says. “A good way to do this is to split your mouth up into quarters and brush each quarter for thirty seconds before moving on to the next.”

Stop hoarding toothbrushes – you're doing your mouth no favours. Image: iStock

Dr Chinotti’s top tips for healthy teeth

#1. Never stray from the two-two rule

“Brushing is recommended for two minutes, two times every day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and be sure to brush to the level of gums as the bacteria can easily be missed and build up in these areas.”

#2. Don’t neglect between the teeth

“Cleaning between the teeth with options such as floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser is an important daily step. Toothbrush bristles do not effectively reach between the teeth when brushing, making a specific step of cleaning between the teeth necessary for good oral health.”

#3. Listen to your dental professional, not trendy Instagram ads

“If people are planning to incorporate whitening products into their oral hygiene routine, it is important that they understand what type of whitening product they're using, how it works, any risks the product may present and whether it's right for their whitening needs; as ultimately, different whitening products work on different types of stains.”

Originally published as Are you changing your toothbrush often enough? This might convince you to start