Yeah, I hear you on the splayed bristles—my kid’s brush always looks like it’s been used to scrub the driveway after a couple weeks. I tried boiling water once (not my brightest idea... melted the head a bit), and the mouthwash trick just made it smell like a dentist’s office. At this point, I just set a reminder to swap them out every month or so. Seems like no matter what, those bristles get wild fast, especially with little hands involved.
I totally get the struggle with wild bristles. My youngest somehow manages to make a new toothbrush look like it’s been through a wood chipper in less than two weeks. I tried to “straighten” the bristles once by pressing them under a heavy book overnight—didn’t help, just made the brush look sad and flat. I’ve also tried those multi-packs from the dollar store, but honestly, they wear out even faster (plus the bristles sometimes fall out, which is… not ideal).
I started keeping an eye out for sales on the slightly better brands and just stock up when I can. Swapping them every month or so seems to be the best compromise for my wallet and my sanity. It’s funny, though—my own brush lasts ages, but the kids’ always look like they’ve been used to clean sneakers. Maybe it’s just how hard they press? Or maybe it’s just life with kids and morning breath...
I hear you on the dollar store brushes—they’re tempting, but I’ve found they just don’t hold up. Have you tried showing your kids how to brush with less pressure? Sometimes it’s all about technique, not just the brand. My niece used to mash hers too, but once we practiced gentle circles together, her brushes lasted way longer. It’s wild how much difference that can make.
Can’t say I haven’t fallen for the dollar store brush trap myself—those neon packs are hard to resist when you’re pinching pennies. But yeah, they end up looking like I used them to scrub grout after a week. I did try the “gentle circles” routine too, but my morning brain sometimes forgets and I go full Hulk on the bristles. Technique definitely matters, but man, some brushes just aren’t built for battle with smoker’s breath... or my half-asleep grip.
I go full Hulk on the bristles.
Couldn’t help but laugh at this because I’ve snapped more than one “ultra value” brush mid-yawn. Honestly, sometimes it feels like they’re made of cotton candy. Technique helps, but some mornings are just demolition derby for dental gear. Hang in there—at least you’re brushing, right?
