TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - When we use a toothbrush, it is important to realize that toothbrush has an age limit. Even so, sometimes it's quite difficult to know when a toothbrush is nearing the end of its useful life. So, when should a toothbrush be replaced?
Quoting from Healthline, toothbrushes should be replaced every 12-16 weeks. However, there are also certain situations when you may need to replace your toothbrush more quickly. If you do not replace your toothbrush or electronic toothbrush head when necessary, it can have a negative impact on the health of your teeth and can even spread infection.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when it looks worn out. When the toothbrush bristles begin to lose stiffness, it indicates that the toothbrush is almost at the end of its useful life. Without bristles to scrub away food debris and plaque, your toothbrush will quickly lose efficiency. Therefore, it is important to replace your toothbrush immediately at this time.
When you or your family members are sick, it is highly recommended to replace your toothbrush and also the toothbrushes of everyone in your household. Viral and bacterial infections such as strep throat can be spread by toothbrushes, and replacing an old toothbrush with a new one will help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
Furthermore, if you have children, you may need to replace their toothbrush more often than every 3 months. This is because children tend to crush the head of the toothbrush or bite the handle. Observing your child while brushing their teeth is also important to ensure that they don't use the toothbrush head to touch any surface other than their teeth.
Also, if someone else accidentally uses your toothbrush, you should throw it away immediately. Better to prevent diseases than to be sorry because every mouth has a different bacteria content. Using a toothbrush that has been used by someone else can increase the risk of transmitting bacteria and infection.
HAN REVANDA PUTRA
Editor's Choice: Unlocking Indonesia's Potential Through a Blue Economy
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
