Cheapest dental care in Christchurch? The price of a new toothbrush

Imagine, if you will, sitting down for every meal and being given the same unwashed cutlery to eat with. How long could you stomach the detritus and debris of dinner being served up with breakfast? The thought is enough to make you wince, but this is exactly what happens if you don’t pay attention to the health of your toothbrush.

Your mouth and teeth are a wonderful result of evolution – a unique environment of high performing mechanical and biological functions. Due to the diet we eat and the drinks we consume, brushing teeth is instrumental to keeping this marvel at peak oral health. The aim being to limit the need for tooth decay treatment.

At Duxton Dental’s dental clinics in Christchurch, our team advise clients on how to support their dental treatment at home. Typically, this means guidance on how to brush teeth properly but also how to care for your toothbrush.

Why do you need a clean toothbrush?

Removing plaque and other fragments from the teeth means toothbrushes become contaminated. Yes, this favourite tool of dentists across the globe becomes tainted with bacteria, blood, saliva, and used toothpaste every single use – the stuff of nightmares.

The common recommendation is to thoroughly rinse the toothbrush with clean water after use, but research has found that even visibly clean toothbrushes can remain contaminated – highly problematic if you suffer from oral infections or other dental health issues.

How to care for a toothbrush

• Do not share your toothbrush. Nobody should allow anyone to use their toothbrush. Germs remain on toothbrushes even after rinsing and sharing them increases the risk of infection between users. This is especially important for people with immune suppression or general ill health.
• Once you have finished brushing your teeth, rinse it under the tap until it is clean and leave to air-dry in an upright position. If there is more than one person’s toothbrush in the holder, make sure they do not touch.
• Do not store the toothbrush in closed conditions, it can accelerate the growth of bacteria.
• There is no need to soak your toothbrush in a disinfecting solution or in mouthwash. While the intention maybe to super-sanitise it, under the right conditions the liquid may become a breeding ground for bacteria.
• Do not use a dishwasher or microwave to sanitise or disinfect your toothbrush, they can damage the bristles on the toothbrush which in turn can hurt your gums.

When do you need to replace your toothbrush?

For the best dental health care, your toothbrush needs to be in prime condition. Persistent use of an old toothbrush can lead to dental problems further down the line. A worn-out toothbrush will not be cleaning your teeth efficiently and leads to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease, bad breath, and tooth sensitivity. Duxton Dental recommend replacing your toothbrush between every 2 to 3 months, or if you notice any of the below. 

5 Signs you need a new toothbrush

1. Frayed bristles
2. Your teeth feel fuzzy even after brushing
3. You were recently ill
4. It smells
5. You can’t remember the last time you changed it

Buying a new toothbrush is an inexpensive way to keep your oral health on track. If you are unsure about which type of toothbrush you should buy or how to optimise your usual dental care regime, our team of Riccarton dentists are happy to advise you at your next check-up. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.