Wondering if your old toothbrush is on its last leg? Find out how often you should swap your toothbrush for a new one and get a few toothbrush care tips from Mountain View Dental.
When Should I Replace My Toothbrush?
Not sure if your toothbrush needs to be replaced? It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush in the following situations:
- When the bristles become frayed – Frayed bristles are no longer stiff and will not clean your teeth as effectively as a new toothbrush would. Making sure you have rigid bristles ensures you the best clean every time you brush.
- Every 3-4 months – Even if your toothbrush looks like it’s in good shape, it’s a good idea to swap it out every 3-4 months. Bacteria builds up over time from being in your bathroom and from cleaning the bacteria in your mouth. Replacing it helps prevent infections and illness.
- Whenever you get sick – Continuing to brush with an old toothbrush after you’ve gotten sick means you could re-infect yourself or spread germs to other members of your family. Replacing your toothbrush once you’re feeling better can help you and your family stay healthy.
- After dental surgery – Always start using a new toothbrush after a dental procedure. Used toothbrushes have a lot of bacteria on them, so they should not be used to clean your mouth after surgery. Doing this can help prevent infection, which is the last thing you want after surgery.
These rules also apply to electric toothbrushes. When swapping your electric toothbrush head, we also recommend using the old toothbrush head to clean the body, charging base, and connection points of your electric toothbrush before you throw it away. This will keep your electric toothbrush clean and prevent the buildup of bacteria.
Keep Your Smile Healthy by Swapping Your Toothbrush Regularly!
A regular toothbrush replacement schedule helps your smile stay healthy and bright, so make sure you follow these tips and regularly swap out your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head. Don't want to stock up on toothbrushes? There are subscription services out there that will send you a new toothbrush on your schedule – using one of them may be a good option for you.