Knowing when to change your toothbrush is important and ensures that you’re giving your teeth and gums the best possible treatment, but how do you know when the time is right? The answer might feel simple, but the guidelines for the amount of time that your toothbrush remains effective can be affected by various factors! Read on to learn which signs to look out for when thinking about changing your toothbrush!

Disposable vs. Electric

While there are no specific differences between disposable and electric brushes when it comes to how long you can safely use them for,  there is a major difference in how your regular brush replacement affects the environment! Although manual toothbrushes are handy and simple to use, they also make up a great deal of waste, and if they are made of plastic can take many years to break down! To lessen the amount of plastic waste you’re putting out into the world, consider switching to an electric toothbrush, as the heads are made from significantly smaller pieces of plastic. Small steps lead to big changes! You can keep it economical for yourself by buying bundles of spare heads, rather than getting these one at a time as needed - you’ll save yourself some money, and ensure you always have a spare when a change is needed!

Look for the Signs

Splayed bristles are an obvious sign that your toothbrush or toothbrush head need changing, stat! Dentists advise that you should change your toothbrush head every three months or so, so if you find that your bristles are splaying out after a month or two you may need to reassess the amount of force you are using when brushing your teeth. Remember! Grasp your toothbrush firmly and brush gently at a 45° angle to keep your teeth clean and safe from abrasion.

Following Sickness

Despite regular cleaning, bacteria and germs can gather and grow on your toothbrush head, especially if you’re unwell. Fungus and bacteria can get stuck in the bristles of your brush and keep you sick for longer, so if you are in the recovery process after a cold or flu, make sure to switch out your toothbrush head for a new, clean one!

Keep it Clean

The best way to maintain your toothbrush and avoid bacteria forming on the bristles is by properly rinsing it after every use. A simple rinse under tap water can remove excess toothpaste and saliva, which carry germs, off the bristles of your brush. Keeping your toothbrush upright is also essential as this allows the bristles the opportunity to dry off before the next use! If you are often travelling or on the go, consider investing in a Sonisk Pulse portable toothbrush, as the antimicrobial travel cap will keep it clean and free of bacteria wherever you are!

Despite the wealth of information telling us how bad sugar is for our teeth and gums, once in a while even the most disciplined of us can get tempted. Rather than telling you to abstain from all sugar until the end of time, we believe in moderation and smart choices. But what does “smart choices'' really mean when it comes to sugar consumption? Read on to find out…

Feeling Fruity? Find the Balance!

Some fruit and fruit byproducts, such as juice and dried fruits, are especially bad for your teeth and gums and don’t really balance out in terms of benefits. On the other hand, crunchy fruits, such as apples and pears, have high water content that encourage saliva production, which in turn helps to wash out your mouth whilst still satisfying your sweet tooth! Strawberries, too, have balanced benefits! Yes, they’re both sugary and acidic - but strawberries also contain malic acid, which helps to whiten the appearance of your teeth (albeit only temporarily) and are chock-full of Vitamin C, which helps to strengthen your teeth and bones!

Blend it Up

The great thing about homemade smoothies is that you can control the ingredients, and therefore the sugar content! Try creating your own balance by adding ingredients that are known to improve oral health. For instance, if you’re craving a banana smoothie to satiate your sweet tooth, consider adding spinach, which is high in enamel-building calcium and folic acid, which can help stave off gum disease!

Chocolate: The Darker, The Better

For many of us chocolate is one of the snacks that comes under the “irresistible” category - and good news for all, there’s no need to resist! Although milk and white chocolate are full of sugar, dark chocolate has actually been shown to be good for your teeth! Dark chocolate, anything over 70% cocoa solids, is full of polyphenols which fight oral bacteria, and there’s even research suggesting that another compound found in dark chocolate, theobromine, can even be more effective than fluoride in fighting tooth decay!

Mitigate Negative Effects

There are times when, however much we might attempt to steer clear, eating something sugary is unavoidable. On these occasions, don’t panic! Where possible, reduce your sugar intake by adjusting the types of foods from which you get your sugars to make sure you’re doing the best by your teeth and gums. If you snack a lot at home, try to do all your snacking at once and then rinse your mouth out with water to avoid the amount of time that sugars can sit in your mouth. If you find that you snack a lot on the go, consider popping a Sonisk Pulse portable sonic toothbrush in your bag (or pocket!) and give your teeth a quick brush 30 minutes after eating to clean your mouth out!

During pregnancy a woman’s body experiences a whole host of extreme changes, ranging from the beautiful to the downright stressful. But there’s no reason to panic about your health! As with any special physical circumstances, the most important thing is to make sure that you’re well-informed and following professional advice as best you can so that you can maintain your good health. Read on to find out the unique effects that being pregnant has on your oral health, and go forth calmer and better prepared!

Forward-Thinking

Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, but if you are actually planning to get pregnant, make sure you get your teeth seen by your dentist first! Not only will they be able to give you individually suited advice for your pregnancy, but they will also be able to record your oral health before your body changes to better monitor differences that occur later on during your pregnancy!

I’m Already Late!

If you’re already pregnant, you should still consult your dentist!  Keeping your oral health professionals up to date of major changes in your body, new medications, and the effects of prenatal care are essential to a healthy pregnancy. Speak to your obstetrician in advance of visiting your dentist in case there are any factors specific to you to take into consideration. And don’t skip any scheduled appointments! Pregnancy puts you at a higher risk of gingivitis, oral sensitivity, and plaque, so now more than ever it’s important to keep up with your regular appointments.

Risk Factors

Some oral health concerns are more likely to occur during pregnancy, and although many of these are temporary, some may also need some care and attention. Take note if you notice that your gums are sore or bleeding, or if your teeth feel loose, and make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to make sure you’re not ignoring anything major.

Morning Sickness

Different smells and tastes can affect your experience of morning sickness. If you are struggling with this, consider switching your toothpaste to a bland or flavourless brand, as strong mint flavours and sensations can sometimes provoke nausea, which no one wants! Remember to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after vomiting to clear your mouth of stomach acids, which can weaken the enamel on the surface of your teeth.

Keep Good Practice

As much as ever, keeping up a consistent oral hygiene routine is essential for maintaining your oral health during pregnancy. Make sure you brush and floss twice daily, with a good quality toothbrush that gets into the harder to reach spaces behind and between your teeth to reduce the risk of plaque forming and aggravated oral discomfort.