How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?

As you may or may not know, your mouth is full of bacteria. As a general rule, this is no cause for alarm, especially if you practice proper oral hygiene at home and visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and examination. However, you should know that when left to their own devices, bacteria will spread and infect your mouth, causing tooth decay and gum disease over time.

What does this have to do with your toothbrush? As it turns out, a lot. Your toothbrush is one of many tools in your oral hygiene arsenal, along with toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, and the assistance and advice of your dentist and hygienists. When your toothbrush is old and busted, it simply can't do the job it was intended for.

In other words, you need to make sure to replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head regularly. How often does it need to be replaced? As a general rule of thumb, experts recommend replacement about every three months. However, there are other reasons you might want to upgrade to a new toothbrush or replacement head in order to enjoy the best oral health and hygiene.

After Illness

Any time you suffer an illness, it's best to toss your old toothbrush or replace your electric brush head when you recover in order to minimize the risk of re-infection. You should also wipe down or wash your electric toothbrush handle and possibly even a charging base to get rid of any lingering bacteria from your hands or mouth.

When Bristles are Worn

Are the bristles on your toothbrush or electric brush head looking a bit worse for the wear? Are they bent and twisted? Is the blue color on the indicator strip faded more than halfway down the bristles? Bad news - your toothbrush has worn to the point that it is no longer delivering the ideal cleaning benefits you want.

Modern toothbrushes and electric brush heads are designed to tell you when it's time to replace. Even if you're a gentle brusher that can keep bristles looking stiff and new for months, the blue indicator strip on many toothbrushes is designed to fade with use so you know when it's time to upgrade. When the color strips fade or your bristles are starting to look withered, it's time to replace, whether it's been three months or not.

If you have any questions or it's time to schedule an appointment for cleaning and examination, don't hesitate to contact us today.

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