How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?
We all know that the humble toothbrush is not built to last forever. But how often should you replace it?
The answer will vary slightly on the type of toothbrush you have (electric or manual), the strength of the bristles (soft or hard), and the material it’s made of (plastic or natural materials).
As a general rule, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Letting it go on any longer than that can have consequences that affect a person’s oral health and overall health and wellbeing.
Why do you need to replace your toothbrush?
For a couple of reasons.
Bristle Breakdown
The first is that after some time, the bristles on the toothbrush will get worn down. Studies show that the plastic that the bristles are made of begin s to break down around the three-month mark. (This can vary depending on how hard a person presses the toothbrush against their teeth, and how many times a day a person is brushing.)
When the bristles begin to break down, the toothbrush is no longer going to do an effective job of keeping the teeth clean and free from bacteria. You can tell when this happens because the bristles begin to lose their shape and their resistance. The bristles might also fray (split apart) or bend out to the sides, making it ineffective in doing its job.
Why does this matter? Well, when bacteria is left on a person’s teeth and gums, oral health problems begin and can have a cascading effect that may eventually lead to tooth decay, gum disease, high dental bills, and other challenges that can affect a person’s overall health and well-being.
Bacteria and Viruses
The second reason is that toothbrushes themselves can be a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria. Some studies have found that cold and flu germs can survive on a toothbrush for up to three days.
Therefore, if you or someone in your household is sick with a cold or a virus and you usually store your toothbrushes close to each other, it’s a good idea to have everyone start fresh with a new toothbrush. Especially if you keep your toothbrush in a cup next to the rest of the household’s toothbrushes, there is a chance you will pass germs along and spread the illness.
Speaking of health, bacteria can remain on a toothbrush longer than a virus can. There are many illnesses that are caused by bacteria, including strep throat. Since bacteria on your toothbrush can linger, it’s not worth taking any chance. If you have strep throat or another bacterial infection, toss that toothbrush (and tell your roommates or family members that share a bathroom to do the same thing).
Remaining aware of your own physical health, and the condition of your toothbrush will give you the information you need to make an informed decision about when it’s time to throw your toothbrush away.
Can you extend the life of your toothbrush?
Some people have a hard time throwing things away, and we can relate to that. Millions and millions of toothbrushes end up in the landfill every year. So, are there things you can do to make your toothbrush last longer?
Here are a few tips:
- Always rinse off your toothbrush after brushing your teeth under running warm water and remove any buildup. Do not use mouthwash, soap, or other disinfectants to clean your toothbrush.
- Store your toothbrush standing up and allow to air dry. Don’t store it in a closed container (unless you are in the process of traveling). This creates an ideal environment for bacteria and mold to grow.
- Never share your toothbrush with anyone else.
- Keep your toothbrush separate from other toothbrushes – if you share a bathroom, each person should have their own cup to store their toothbrush.
In Conclusion
Your toothbrush is an important oral hygiene tool (along with floss, of course). Considering the importance on overall health of a clean mouth and healthy teeth and gums, a lot rides on your toothbrush!
Replacing your toothbrush is one of those habits that you should make part of your overall health and hygiene routines. Some people are pretty good at taking stock of their toothbrush and replacing it at signs of breakdown, but many others leave it for a little (or a lot) too long. So the next chance you get, consider when you last replaced yours!
