Subscription based companies are on a rampage nowadays. Sure, there are the obvious ones like Netflix, which began as a service that simply mailed you DVDs and now creates its own programming. But then there are the more recent triumphs such as the ever growing Dollar Shave Club, which sends you new razors monthly whose quality and price you choose. A subscription-based personal hygiene company…that sounds like something the dental industry could get into. In fact, we have, with subscription toothbrushes.
Keeping Your Toothbrush Fresh
Toothbrushes are not meant to be used in perpetuity. Like razors, toothbrushes wear down. They lose bristles, become frayed and/or fall out. Also, though, toothbrushes accumulate a good amount of bacteria, naturally. That’s from brushing your teeth, from being in the bathroom and also from brushing when you’re sick. All these factors make it important to replace your toothbrush in regular intervals. That’s where Toothbrush Subscriptions comes into play. You sign-up, choose an age-appropriate toothbrush and for just $4.95 per brush (adult-sized brushes) you receive a brand new brush every three months.
Simplicity at its Best
The best part of this service is its simplicity. There are a few choices for adult brushes as well as cheaper ones for children. There’s even $8 newborn toothbrush-teething ring combination that can be ordered. It’s easy and simple. Of course, simplicity can be a negative in certain situations. Toothbrush Subscriptions isn’t Netflix: you don’t have a vast library of every variety of brush to choose from. There are just a few options and electric toothbrushes are not part of this subscription service.
Changing Brushes
The merits of this service, whether it is worth it or not, will depend on the person. The service does highlight how overlooked toothbrush replacement is by people. It really isn’t a good practice to keep using the same brush for a year. Their effectiveness has declined and their accumulation of bacteria only increased. Dentists recommend that you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Too often, though, people forget when they bought their brush. One enlightening recommendation is based on toothpaste use. On average, one person using one tube of toothpaste will use up that tube in about 3 months. That’s a full size tube. Obviously, we’re not talking about travel size. So next time you run out of toothpaste, also pick up a new toothbrush.
Dr. Mike Mavrostomos is passionate and top-quality comprehensive care dentist located in Bedminster, NJ whose continual pursuit of education and state-of-the-art dentistry has led to his being recognized as one of New Jersey’s Top Dentists by the New Jersey Top-Docs committee. Check out our website, reviews, Facebook page Connect with us and learn!