The little known reason behind the multi-coloured bristles on your toothbrush revealed

A teacher has revealed the important economic reason behind the multi-coloured bristles on your toothbrush and they’re not just for show.

In her video, teacher and Tik Tok user Jess asks her audience whether they ever wondered about the reason behind the multi-coloured bristles.

“Do you know why your toothbrush is different colours?” she asks in her viral video.

“It is actually to help measure out your toothpaste.”

Jess says “you only need to use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste” and that the coloured part of the toothbrush is where it should go.

Putting her money where her mouth is, Jess says, “Most people are wasting toothpaste and, too often, they use more than they need.”

@jmac8781 stop wasting toothpaste#lifehack#todayyearsold#thingsyoudidntknow#didyouknow#toothbrushhack#hacks#lifelesson#over30#over40#over50#over60#over70 ♬ Taste It – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

Despite the video getting huge traction online, it was met with mixed reactions from Jess’ followers.

Some said they instinctively only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, “I do this instinctively”.

Others said they use too much and some users admitted they will continue using a lot of toothpaste to ensure their teeth always feel clean.

“I use more than that and I still feel like it isn’t enough. I’m 37 and have no cavities,” one responded.

“So I’ve used 10,000% more toothpaste than I needed, all my life?”

“So you’re saying a tube should last me a lifetime. I usually go through a tube a week.”

“Every time I try using a pea sized, my teeth don’t feel as clean.”

“Nope I need to brush tongue, sides roof everything…I need the whole damn thing covered and my mouth needs to be on fire.”

According to Dr. Cathryn Madden, Head Dentist at Bupa Dental, good dental hygiene is just as much about knowing when your toothbrush is getting a bit long in the tooth as it is about brushing and knowing how much toothpaste to use. 

Speaking to Starts at 60, Dr. Madden shed some light on the recommended frequency for changing toothbrushes and its crucial role in maintaining optimal oral health. 

While there is no one-size-fits-all rule for replacing toothbrushes, Dr. Madden advises a general guideline of swapping your toothbrush every three to four months or when you notice the brush head becoming “worn and bristly”.

“A toothbrush with bent or splayed bristles isn’t as effective at removing plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums,” she explains.

“This can lead to bacteria build-up, increasing the risk of developing cavities, gum disease and nasty infections in the mouth.

“A new toothbrush with medium-soft bristles will give you the best clean and will minimise any unwanted impact or scratching to enamel and gums.”

Madden added that neglecting to regularly change your toothbrush could lead to dire consequences for your overall health. 

“If you don’t replace your toothbrush often enough, your teeth and gums won’t be getting a good enough clean or removing dental plaque effectively– exposing you to risks such as germs and bacteria building up in your mouth and related oral health problems,” she warns.

“Oral health is also closely linked to your general health with gum and periodontal disease linked to a range of broader health issues like heart disease and some cancers.

“If you have any doubts about the type of toothbrush you should use, how to brush or how often to replace it, be sure to ask your friendly local dentist who can provide you with easy tips and tricks for getting the best possible clean at home.”