Brushing and cleaning your teeth between dentist appointments should be done every day, twice per day. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind to be sure that you’re taking the best care of your smile—including using an appropriate toothbrush.

The experienced family dentists from Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City and Honolulu, Hawaii, share these tips for determining when to replace your toothbrush:

• Replace Your Toothbrush Often: According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. You should also use a new toothbrush after you've had a cold, the flu, or any other bacterial or viral illness. 
• Pay Attention To Your Bristles: Although the average lifespan of a toothbrush is three to four months, take a look at your toothbrush’s bristles and make sure they aren’t fraying or distorted. If they are, you may need to replace your toothbrush more often.
• Store Toothbrushes Properly: To mitigate microorganism growth on your toothbrush, don't store your brush in a closed container. Allow the bristles to air-dry after use by keeping your toothbrush upright and in the open. If there are other members of your household, make sure your toothbrush heads don't touch—otherwise, you're exposing your mouths to cross-contamination.
• Don’t Wait For Your Next Appointment: Many times, a trip to the dentist means a free baggie full of toothpaste, floss, and a new toothbrush. However, dental appointments are usually bi-annual, meaning that if you only replace your toothbrush when you visit your dentist, each brush will last for six months—twice as long as the standard replacement schedule.

It's important to replace your toothbrush to prevent bacteria growth and ensure that the bristles will sufficiently clean your teeth, gums, and tongue. To learn more about oral health care and finding the right toothbrush, visit Oahu Dental Care online. To make an appointment with a dentist, call their Pearl City office at (808) 456-5005 or the Honolulu location at (808) 732-2821 today.