How Often Should I Get a New Toothbrush?

For some people, remembering to get a new toothbrush is relatively low on the priority list, provided that the item is not lost. Despite this, replacing your toothbrush on a regular basis is important for maintaining the health of your mouth and to make sure that you do not catch the same illness twice. Healthy adults should get a new toothbrush every three to four months, while those with gum disease should change theirs once a month. If you have recently been sick, you should get a new toothbrush after your illness has passed. In some cases, the type of toothbrush you use will determine how frequently you need to replace it.

As with most personal items, toothbrushes tend to wear out. The bristles wear down and eventually become less efficient at cleaning your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you regularly clean your toothbrush with hot water, you can typically use the same one for up to four months. For those who tend to simply brush and go, getting a new toothbrush every three months is often a good idea. Even if you keep a toothbrush at work and another at home, with one receiving less use than the other does, it is still advised that you get a new toothbrush every four months due to bacteria build-up, which occurs no matter how much you use the toothbrush.

Those with gum disease should get a new toothbrush fairly often compared to those without this disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can become trapped and build up in the bristles of the brush, increasing the amount of bacteria in which your sensitive mouth comes in contact. Changing your toothbrush every month is one of the best ways to avoid this and to keep your mouth as healthy as possible. One of the easiest ways to remember this is to toss your toothbrush on the first day of every month and replace it with a new one.

Those who are ill should take extra care to remember to get a new toothbrush. The bacteria and viruses that cause illnesses like a cold, the flu, and strep throat can build up in the bristles, making you sicker for longer, or causing you to catch the illness again. Soaking your existing toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash while you are sick and replacing your toothbrush once you begin to feel better will help to keep you and your mouth healthy.

If you use an electric toothbrush with a removable head, you can typically follow the manufacturer directions for replacing the head. In some cases, this can be as long as sixth months; however, it may be a good idea to replace the head every four months in the same way you would a disposable brush. Some standard toothbrushes have colored bristles that can indicate when you should toss the item and purchase a new toothbrush. This is an especially good indicator when you use your toothbrush frequently, as you may have to replace it more often than the recommended time. While you should still replace your toothbrush every four months even if the bristle color has not changed, the changing color can be a good reminder to do so if the bristles wear out earlier than expected.