The majority of the Germans only change their toothbrush every five to six months—not often enough to prevent unpleasant side-effects. According to a new study, using a toothbrush for a period of six months may lead to gingivitis, which in turn increases the risk of other diseases.
For the study, researchers from the University of Göttingen divided participants into two test groups. Over a period of six months, the members of one group cleaned their teeth with one toothbrush, while the participants in the other group were given a new one every four weeks.
After six months, the scientists found an increase in gingival inflammation in the group that had not changed toothbrushes. The participants in the other group showed a better overall state of oral hygiene at any time in the test phase than at the beginning of the study, particularly concerning plaque.
“The results of the study are of significant relevance to oral health in Germany,” said Dr Dirk Ziebholz, research associate at the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology at the University of Göttingen and leader of the study. “Gingivitis can lead to other problems such as periodontitis."
According to the GfK Group, a German market research company, Germans bought an average of 2.5 toothbrushes each in 2010. However, the recommended amount is four. Families in particular tend to change their toothbrushes only rarely (2.3 toothbrushes per year). With 4.5 toothbrushes, single professionals change their toothbrush even more frequently than every three months.
Most Germans change their toothbrush when the bristles are worn-out (70 per cent) or when they are concerned that their toothbrush may no longer be hygienic (66 per cent), according to GfK.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Best, a brand of GlaxoSmithKline.
