Changing the brush head is (almost) as important as brushing your teeth

For prophylaxis at home, the teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes with an age-appropriate dose of fluoride toothpaste - according to the recommendations. In addition, research shows that using electric brushes with an oscillating-rotating brush head removes up to 100 percent more plaque than manual toothbrushes¹ . In addition, dental floss, mouthwash and interdental brushes are very popular with the experts, as they can provide perfect support in cleaning the interdental spaces. However, the fact that regularly changing the brush head is part of good oral hygiene is often only mentioned in passing. Experts recommend replacing the brush head or manual toothbrush every three months at least.

Regular replacement of the brush head reduces the cleaning performance

Over time, the bristles of the toothbrush become softer and bend outwards as a result of brushing and the pressure exerted during this process. The result is inadequate cleaning, as plaque and plaque are more difficult to remove and critical areas, such as the spaces between the teeth or the gum line, are no longer cleaned. If there is a decrease in the cleaning performance, bleeding gums, inflammation of the gingiva and even periodontitis can be promoted due to the poorer plaque removal. Another aspect is the accumulation of germs on the bristles. The brush head should be changed, especially after bacterial infections, to prevent reinfection. For the best possible prevention of germ formation, the brush head should be thoroughly cleaned under running water after each use, then dried and then placed upright. In this way, the bristles can dry as best as possible.

The status quo is frightening: Patients change the brush head far too rarely

Current studies show that 70 percent of users of electric brushes only change the brush head when the bristles are obviously worn out^{2 . One can only speculate about the reasons. The problem, however, is that at this stage of wear - i.e. when this is already clearly visible on the bristles - the cleaning performance of the brush head has already greatly decreased. After just three months, the brushes clearly lose their cleaning performance. It is not possible to compensate for this loss, for example by cleaning for a long time. Nevertheless, dental professionals can also make a decisive contribution at this point. Continuous information about the need to change the brush head sensitizes and motivates patients to do so. The right products can also be decisive and encourage the patient in his health-promoting behavior.}

Oral-B's state-of-the-art technologies remind you to change the brush head

Thanks to Oral-B's advanced technologies, the patient is informed in various ways that the brush head needs to be replaced. All Oral-B SMART and GENIUS models of the oscillating-rotating electric toothbrushes remind you to change the brush head regularly in the Oral-B app. Oral-B brush heads with CleanMaximiser technology use the color of the bristles to signal when it is the right time to change the brush head by strikingly changing the color from green to yellow. The innovative Oral-B iO even reminds you to change the brush head regularly via the display integrated in the handpiece.

A new study shows: periodontitis prophylaxis is also a socio-economic issue

According to a recently published report by the Economist Intelligence Unit, optimal periodontitis prevention - and regularly changing the brush head is undoubtedly one of them - is not just for health reasons point of view makes sense, but also has an economic benefit. The model-based measurement of the effects of prevention and treatment led to impressive results: on the one hand, regular prophylaxis increases the number of healthy life years (HLYs = Healthy Life Years). On the other hand, it means savings of several billion euros. According to the study, up to 10 billion euros could be saved annually in Germany alone³ . As the most important interface and advisory body, dental professionals are becoming increasingly important. It enlightens the patient about the various problems, can recommend the right products for optimal cleaning performance and thus helps to make home prophylaxis as effective as possible.

^{[1] Pitchika V, Pink C, Völzke H, Welk A, Kocher T, Holtfreter B. Long-term impact of powered toothbrush on oral health: 11-year cohort study . J Clin Periodontol. 2019. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13126.[2] Oral-B long-term study [3] The Economist Intelligence Unit 2021 Time to take gum disease seriously: The societal and economic impact of periodontitis. London, TheEconomist Intelligence Unit.}

Source: P&G