How old is your toothbrush? When was the last time you changed toothbrushes? Many of us think when we have a cold, sore throat, or the flu that our toothbrushes harbor the germs and keep making us sick over and over again. Actually, those germs are probably hiding in your tonsils or your nasal passages – so it’s probably not your toothbrush making you sick. BUT, if you didn’t know this, you can actually run your toothbrush through the normal dishwasher cycle to clean and sanitize it.

The other question we often are asked is how often should your toothbrush be changed? If you notice the bristles are looking a little ragged around the edges, then it’s time for a new brush. Some of the models are color coded to let you know when they have reached their maximum ability to do a good job and you can also use this as your guide. The general rule is that you should replace your toothbrush every three months or whenever you notice the bristles have frayed.

BUT we have a much better, easier solution. The Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush is your best choice for excellent oral health. The Sonicare bristles vibrate at a rate of 31,000 brushstrokes per minute! The fact that the bristles can rotate this fast gives you the most effective way to clean your teeth. Most have a “Smartimer” feature, allowing you to brush each “quadrant” of your mouth for 30 seconds, giving the optimal amount of time to each section.

For anyone who has periodontal issues (gum disease), having the advantage of the Sonicare brush helps prevent the buildup of additional plaque around the gumline. The 31,000 brushstrokes have been shown in clinical studies to help reverse the effect of gum disease by stimulating gums, activating saliva production and cleaning deeper and more efficiently than a regular toothbrush.

While using a Sonicare takes a little “getting used to,” most patients love the extra clean feel. And when your next dental check-up shows your teeth to have less plaque build-up, you will be happy you made the switch.