How long should an electric toothbrush last? This question may sound a bit confusing, but we are here to provide an extended answer and explain what can happen to your electric toothbrush. We have gathered advice on how often you should change your toothbrush head, how to tell when it’s time to do it, and what other signs your toothbrush is sending you.
The vibrating and rotating bristles of an electric toothbrush can remove far more plaque buildup than a manual brush. Apart from that, such brushes can reduce the incidence of various dental problems, but you need to know how long should an electric toothbrush last. This way, you can improve its performance and make it more effective in fighting plaque buildup.
Are the bristles on your toothbrush worn down?
One of the biggest differences when it comes to manual and powered toothbrushes is that you can replace the bristles on the latter. Conversely, you cannot do it on a manual brush, so you need to replace the entire brush.
It’s advisable to change your toothbrush once every three months. Usually, this is how long it takes for the bristles to become worn and ineffective. Toothbrush replacement is mandatory, as these old bristles do not only hurt your teeth and gums, but also may carry bacteria. This applies to both manual and electric toothbrushes.
Is replacing the bristle attachment enough?
Now that we have identified how long toothbrush bristles should last, let’s turn our attention to the toothbrush itself. It’s no secret that purchasing a high-quality electric toothbrush can be a costly endeavor, but this means you don’t always have to replace it altogether.
Yes, you can continue to use your existing electric toothbrush for years, provided it is able to hold a charge and is capable of removing plaque buildup from your teeth. The caveat, however, is that you have to replace the bristle attachment every three months, or sooner if the bristles appear frayed.
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What is your toothbrush telling you?
The right thing to do would be to check the toothbrush bristles periodically for wear and tear signs. Many people neglect this activity really often, so we get another reason why electric toothbrushes are better. Some of these smart devices have a built-in reminder that can alert users when they need to replace the bristle attachment, unequivocally answering the question of “how long should an electric toothbrush last?”.
The freedom of being able to simply replace the bristle attachment means that you’re able to keep your toothbrush for years, provided that it continues to work properly. But what if you have a more budget-friendly electric toothbrush, one that doesn’t provide alerts? Well, you needn’t fret; there are other ways for you to keep track of the condition of your toothbrush bristles.
Keep in mind that the average lasting time of a toothbrush is three months. Mark on a calendar the date you have purchased the new toothbrush or bristle head. Then, replace it three months later. Even if the bristles look good, you should still purchase a replacement.
Signs your toothbrush bristles are bad
Other than visually inspecting your toothbrush, there are other ways to tell when you’re in need of a replacement. For example, you may find that, after brushing, you’re left with a bad taste in your mouth or the brush is no longer effective at removing plaque buildup. This happens as they accumulate bacteria over time, further emphasizing the importance of replacing the bristles.
How long should an electric toothbrush last invariably comes down to whether you’re using a manual of an electric toothbrush. As previously noted, an electric toothbrush could conceivably last for years as long as it is properly maintained, but you still need to replace the bristle attachment at the recommended intervals.
How long should an electric toothbrush last with more frequent brushing? Well, it’s not surprising that some people brush more than three times per day. If this is the case for you, you may find yourself replacing the bristles on your toothbrush more regularly. However, brushing too often is not good either, as you may damage the enamel on your teeth and increase your sensitivity.
Conclusion
Therefore, how long should an electric toothbrush last? If you think about the whole toothbrush, then you can keep the same brushing tool for years as long as it works properly. However, you will have to replace the bristle heads once every three months. In this case, an electric toothbrush lasts just as long as a manual one, as they both become less effective after this period of time.
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