Why do women change their toothbrush twice as often as men?

Local dentist causes Daily Mail stir.

Judging by the reaction it provoked, a recent article produced by local dentist Carisbrook Dental and published in the Daily Mail, has re-ignited the debate about how often you should change your toothbrush and has highlighted the fact that women take dental health far more seriously than men.These results come from a survey of 1,000 patients and as a leading local dentist in Manchester Carisbrook revealed that women, on average, spend £42 on toothbrushes, tooth paste and mouthwashes each year.But their male counterparts, the survey found, spend just £24 yearly in regards to their dental health.As a busy local dentist Carisbrook is in an excellent position to comment on these findings and they are quick to confirm that dentists recommend that everyone should ideally replace their toothbrush at least every three months. Teeth brushing, they remind us, forms a crucial part of daily dental hygiene. Regular brushing helps to prevent a build up of plaque, tooth decay and gum disease as well as bad breath. It is essential though, say Carisbrook, that the brush (or electric toothbrush head) is always clean and in good condition.To many people throwing your toothbrush away after three months might seem like a short time, but think of the germs, viruses and bacteria that the brush is exposed to on a daily basis. Some new toothbrushes, this local dentist explains, have been developed so that the bristles change colour when it is time to change. Carisbrook also point out that bristles that are frayed are not as effective at cleaning teeth, while newer brushes have been proved to remove more plaque. Dr Idrees at Carisbrook, who carried out the survey, says that germs residing in toothbrushes can be removed by soaking them in antiseptic mouthwash for an hour. He points out, however, that this should not been seen as an alternative to replacing your toothbrush when the time is right.Dr Idrees also points out that as a local dentist he has seen that women not only look after their teeth better than men, but they are more likely to have cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening. Men, on the other hand, are taking risks with their health by hanging on to their toothbrush for too long.So don’t forget, check your toothbrush regularly for wear and never allow germs and bacteria to build up to an extent that it becomes a health hazard. Change your toothbrush every three months is the golden rule and not, as one man commented on the article: “I change my toothbrush when I notice mould growing on it.”If you have any concerns about your teeth or would like to discuss any dental hygiene issues then please do not hesitate to contact us. You can call us on 0161 951 7295 or you can use the online form on our Appointments page.