Making sure your toothbrush is working effectively is essential for emergency dentistry prevention, one expert has said.
Sebastiana Springmann, a dentist in Virginia, told the Detroit News that battered brushes with frayed bristles will not effectively remove plaque and are therefore not doing what they should to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
She advised replacing them at least every three or four months – or more if you have been ill recently – and offered some tips on how to keep them at their best.
Firstly, rinse your brush thoroughly after every use to wash away debris, then place it in an upright container to air it out.
In addition, Ms Springmann warned against sharing brushes to prevent germs spreading from mouth to mouth.
Last month, Dr Ogo Eze told the Guardian that electric toothbrushes could help children and those with manual dexterity problems in the battle against emergency dentistry.