Throw Your Toothbrush Away Immediately If You Notice This

Brushing our teeth is such an ingrained part of our daily routine. However, we oftentimes forget to give this regime some real consideration. The American Dental Association recommends that we brush our teeth twice a day for at least two minutes at a time, per Mayo Clinic. In addition to that, we should also make sure we have properly functioning oral hygiene tools. 

The toothbrush may be a simple tool, but it has a very important job. Sure, you may be using your toothbrush to brush away the leftover garlic scent trapped in your mouth after dinner, or the bits of popcorn being held hostage in your teeth. But, more importantly, you're also brushing away millions of unseen germs, plaque, and oral debris that could affect your oral health in the future (via CDC).

We want fresh breath and that squeaky clean feeling that comes after you've just given your teeth a good brushing. And in order to achieve this we need to scrub with a proper functioning toothbrush. However, you should throw your toothbrush away immediately if you notice this.

The main part of the toothbrush you should focus on is the bristles. "Any time they've lost their rigidity or their color, it's a good indication that you're due for a new brush," says Carolyn Taggart-Burns, a fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry. "Another thing to keep in mind: If you have toothpaste buildup, it'll harbor tons of bacteria," she adds (via Women's Health).

If you find the bristles on your toothbrush continually wear down before your third month renewal, then you may be brushing with too much force. In fact, if you brush your teeth too hard, or for too long, it doesn't mean they are going to be any cleaner. You may even be damaging your teeths protective enamel and irritating your gums, per WebMD. 

Now that we've given this specific daily routine some real consideration, we know that when it comes to brushing our teeth, harder and longer does not mean cleaner. And if the bristles have faded or lost their original shape, then it is time to toss your toothbrush. Even if you've been using it for less than three months.