How Often Do I Change My Toothbrush? Expert Dentist Advice

While most Americans follow the twice-a-day brushing routine, many have no idea about how often they should change their toothbrush.

If you ask a dentist, they’ll probably recommend changing your brush every three months or so. The exact time frame, however, depends on factors like your toothbrush type and brushing technique.

Like all other things, your toothbrush wears down over time, making it important to change it regularly. If not, the toothbrush can’t remove plaque and bacteria as effectively. Moreover, damaged bristles can harm your gums.

In this article, our dental experts at Lynnwood Dental Studio explain why and when you should change your toothbrush, and what happens when you continue using a worn-out toothbrush.

When to Change Your Toothbrush?

One way to know if it’s time to replace your toothbrush is to check its condition. Are the bristles worn, permanently bent, or partially gone? Then, it’s definitely high time to make the switch.

Dentists believe that the physical signs of wear are one of the strongest indications of whether a toothbrush needs to be replaced. That means people who apply extra pressure when brushing their teeth may have to change their toothbrushes more often.

Replace your toothbrush if:

• Bristles are scattered all over.

• Bristles are reduced or permanently bent.

• Bristles are too hard or too soft to the touch.

Why Should You Change Your Toothbrush Frequently?

A toothbrush that is too old or worn out must be replaced immediately. In fact, you should never use a toothbrush that is older than 3-4 months.

Bristles that are too tattered cannot effectively clean the tooth surface, reach complex areas, or remove plaque and food particles. This allows plaque and debris to build up over time, leading to tooth decay, gingivitis, and other diseases. Worn-out bristles can also damage your gums and cause bleeding.

Toothbrushes Attract Germs

Once old, your toothbrush cannot kill the bacteria in your mouth effectively. But that’s not the only reason to replace it.

Germs can hide within toothbrush bristles, making it more dangerous than beneficial over time. Simply rubbing or rinsing the toothbrush will not make germs go away.

As you brush, some bad bacteria from your mouth can stick to your toothbrush. It’s, therefore, important to regularly replace it to prevent bacterial invasion of your toothbrush.

This is even more important if you recently had a mouth disease. Infectious germs can continue to live and grow on your toothbrush, increasing the risk of reinfection if you keep using the same toothbrush even after you’ve recovered.

Do More Damage Than Good

Most toothbrushes have nylon bristles, which incur serious wear over time and with continuous use. According to experts, your toothbrush becomes unusable or even dangerous to use after three or four months of continued service. It must be replaced immediately.

Why?

Bristles that are too torn or aren’t standing upright cannot remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth properly. This can discolor your teeth as well as increase the risk of cavities and gingivitis due to the accumulation of bad bacteria in your mouth.

More importantly, turned or stiff bristles can seriously hurt your gums, which are much softer than your teeth.

If you keep using a worn-out brush, it starts damaging your gums and can cause gum recession, a condition where gums pull away from the teeth.

Also Read: Why Do Your Teeth Bleed When You Brush Them?

How often Do I Change My Toothbrush?

Over time, roughly 3 to 4 months, bristles in your toothbrush will become weary and full of bacteria, food debris, and other contaminants. To ensure effective and safe cleaning of your teeth and mouth, you need to switch to a fresh, high-quality toothbrush.

Experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, depending on whether it’s manual or electric.

However, most dentists recommend just paying attention to your toothbrush’s condition. If there are signs of wear, it’s time to replace.

Regular Toothbrush

A regular, manual toothbrush needs frequent replacement, typically every three to four months. This is because the bristles on a standard toothbrush usually become frayed more slowly than those on an electric toothbrush. 

The condition of the bristles also depends on the quality and type of your toothbrush and your brushing technique.

Electric Toothbrush 

An automatic toothbrush rotates or vibrates speedily to thoroughly clean the tooth surface. It usually has shorter bristles than those on a manual toothbrush. This is why electric toothbrushes need to be replaced more frequently, as the bristles become worn sooner due to faster brushing speed and shorter size.

Most electric toothbrush heads need replacing every three months or sooner.

Recommended Post: Brushing Teeth at Night vs. Morning

How to Take Care of Your Toothbrush

While the golden rule is to replace your toothbrush every three months, it is possible that your toothbrush might not make it until then, especially if you follow a more aggressive brushing technique. If that’s the case, here are a few things you can do to make it last longer.

• Brush gently and in circular motions rather than aggressive zigzags.

• Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly after every use.

• Store it upright to allow it to dry thoroughly.

• Store it on an open counter rather than in a closed case.

• Never share your toothbrush with anyone.

• Do not put your toothbrush in mouthwash or disinfectant.

Conclusion

Changing your worn-out toothbrush is just as important as brushing itself. If you are still confused or tend to forget when it’s time to replace your toothbrush, just set a reminder on your phone or write the date on your calendar. However, a better way is to simply keep an eye on the condition of your toothbrush. If it appears tattered, it’s time to switch.

At Lynnwood Dental Studio, we’re committed to your beautiful and healthy smile. If you have questions or need to book a friendly dental checkup, just call our team ((425) 778 5665) to schedule an appointment at a time that works for you.