We can all agree that consistent, daily brushing habits are key for having a clean mouth. But what about when that toothbrush has done its job, brushed it’s last tooth effectively, and needs to retire? Some studies show that more than 40% of people don’t change their toothbrush out often enough. We can do better than that. Our mouths deserve better. Here are some tips on changing out your toothbrush to stay on top of your oral hygiene.
DOES YOUR TOOTHBRUSH GET OLD?
Yes. It works hard, and it breaks down. When it stops brushing effectively, food isn’t removed completely, and plaque and bacteria build up in the mouth. What comes next can include bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis. No one wants any part of those problems. Don’t forget to make note of how you store your toothbrush as well. If your toothbrush is not stored upright, in a dry clean place, bacteria can accumulate faster.
HOW WILL YOU KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO CHANGE IT OUT?
Mind your bristles. You can see the signs of worn out bristles with your very own eyes. If the bristles are twisted, frayed, split, tangled, matted, missing, or misshaped, it’s time.
One other thing to remember about changing out your toothbrush - it’s only meant for your mouth - your healthy mouth to be more specific. Sharing a toothbrush can carry bacteria that can make you more susceptible to getting cavities. If anyone besides you uses it, it’s time to replace it. And, if you have an illness, like a cold, flu or virus, let those germs go when the virus goes. Disinfect it or swap it out for a clean new toothbrush.
HOW LONG DOES A TOOTHBRUSH LAST?
According to the American Dental Association® (ADA®), your toothbrush should be changed about every 3-4 months. We know not all brushes, bristles, and materials in a toothbrush are created equal. So, not all toothbrushes wear out at the same pace, either. Brushing habits, brushing pressure, and frequency of brushing all factor into how long a brush stays in good shape.
Some brushes wear out in less than the average 3-4 month window. Some are thoughtfully made to last even longer. RADIUS toothbrushes are designed to last longer - 2 to 3 times longer. The Big Brush, Flex Brush, and KIDZ® brushes have 300% more bristles than a standard toothbrush. That lengthens the life of the brush. More bristles, less wear and tear on each one, so they stay intact and functioning right for up to 9 months.
DO YOU HAVE TO REPLACE YOUR WHOLE TOOTHBRUSH?
No, no, you do not. If you love the size, shape, and style of your brush, wouldn’t it be perfect if you just swap out the toothbrush head instead of the whole thing? That’s easy. RADIUS toothbrushes, like Source™, Tour™ and the Big Brush™ with Replacement Head Travel toothbrushes have replacement head technology. Just replace the part that’s worn out, creating less work for you and less waste for the planet.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH.
When we are done using something, it’s no secret many items end up in our landfills and, unfortunately, stay there for way too long. Plastics are a contributor to pollution. And while these little brushes seem tiny in size, they add up in mass and really do impact our environment in a big way. This keeps the good people at RADIUS up at night, too, so they’ve created products that address these concerns.
In addition to the extra bristles that extend the life of run-of-the-mill toothbrushes, which, in turn, reduces waste, RADIUS is proud of another solution with a positive impact. Remember those replacement head options? It just keeps getting better. Replacing just the head instead of the handle and all, means 93% less waste than the average toothbrush. The bristles matter, too. The soft bristles in a RADIUS toothbrush are made from vegetable-based nylon to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Bristles that are better for your teeth, don’t wear down as fast, and are better for nature - triple bristle success.
Careful thought went into making sure RADIUS toothbrushes degrade as fast as possible when they reach landfills. EcoPure® is an organic additive that, when added to plastic, helps it biodegrade more quickly. How much faster? A RADIUS toothbrush with EcoPure degrades at a rate of 40.2% over 385 days compared to a rate of 3.2% over the same time without it.
CAN YOU GET THAT ON REPEAT?
When you find something that works, keep it coming. The saying ‘work smarter, not harder’ applies here. Don’t even mess with the stress of remembering when to put a new toothbrush on your shopping to do list. With the convenience of RADIUS Subscribe and Save Subscriptions, the replacement heads come to you like magic. You choose the refill frequency, from every month, up to 12 months in between. It’s like a refreshing surprise for your teeth that shows up without having to lift a finger.
Keep brushing, and keep swapping those worn out brushes for fresh, clean smiles. Your breath and your smile will thank you for it.
