How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
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How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
To date, there is no such thing as an “everlasting toothbrush,” so this question of “How often should I replace my toothbrush?” is relevant and important to your oral health.
Toothbrushes simply are not meant to last forever. In fact, they’re not designed to last more than 3-4 months.
Toothbrush manufacturers and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 90-120 days … every 3-4 months … or sooner.
However, the issue is that some of that bacteria remains on the bristles of your toothbrush after you’re done.
The longer you use the same toothbrush, the more bacteria collects on it.
Longer than 3-4 months, and the amount of bacteria can become unhealthy.
Once they’ve lost their original length and shape, the bristles lose their original effectiveness to clean your teeth.
And if your teeth aren’t getting as clean, you run a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and/or bad breath.
Depending on how long and how often you brush your teeth, as well as your style of brushing, you may see damaged bristles sooner than the 3-4 months of recommended toothbrush replacement.
If you do see signs of wear and tear earlier, replace your toothbrush earlier. Replace it at the first signs of the bristles being in less than their original condition.
It’s not worth the risk of reinfection or spreading the germs around to others when it’s so relatively easy to get a new toothbrush.
Toothbrushes simply are not meant to last forever. In fact, they’re not designed to last more than 3-4 months.
Toothbrush manufacturers and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 90-120 days … every 3-4 months … or sooner.
Bacteria Buildup on the Brush
You’re using your toothbrush to remove the plaque bacteria from the surface of your teeth. This is what it was designed to do, so that’s not a problem.However, the issue is that some of that bacteria remains on the bristles of your toothbrush after you’re done.
The longer you use the same toothbrush, the more bacteria collects on it.
Longer than 3-4 months, and the amount of bacteria can become unhealthy.
Damaged Bristles
It’s normal for the bristles of your toothbrush to become damaged from repeated use over time. They can become frayed, broken, twisted, matted, and warped into new shapes.Once they’ve lost their original length and shape, the bristles lose their original effectiveness to clean your teeth.
And if your teeth aren’t getting as clean, you run a higher risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and/or bad breath.
Depending on how long and how often you brush your teeth, as well as your style of brushing, you may see damaged bristles sooner than the 3-4 months of recommended toothbrush replacement.
If you do see signs of wear and tear earlier, replace your toothbrush earlier. Replace it at the first signs of the bristles being in less than their original condition.
After Illness
Even if the bristles are still in great shape, you should replace your toothbrush if you have had a cold or other illness … or if you’ve been exposed to a contagious illness. In fact, if anyone in your household is sick, you should replace everyone’s toothbrushes.It’s not worth the risk of reinfection or spreading the germs around to others when it’s so relatively easy to get a new toothbrush.
