How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

One of the most important ways to preserve your oral health is to brush your teeth at least twice a day. But did you know the condition of your toothbrush is just as vital for your pearly whites? Since they don’t last forever, you’ll want to eventually switch yours out for a brand-new one. How often should you replace it? Read on to learn how frequently your dentist in Grand Prairie suggests you should change your toothbrush!

How Frequently Should You Switch Your Toothbrush?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you ought to switch your manual toothbrush with a new one every 3-4 months or sooner. Over time, the bristles will become increasingly frayed, decreasing their stiffness and effectiveness at scrubbing away debris, food particles, plaque, and bacteria from your smile. Additionally, you might want to change it out if you or someone else in your household was recently sick. Any germs left behind on the bristles can come into contact with your mouth and put you at risk of illness or infection.

How Often Should You Replace the Head of Your Electric Toothbrush?

If you have an electric toothbrush, you should consider changing the head every 12 weeks. This is for the same reason as manual products, as the bristles can become worn down after months of use. The main difference with electric toothbrushes is that they typically have shorter heads, causing them to fray much quicker and requiring more frequent replacements. Be sure to keep an eye on the bristles to determine the right time to get a new one.

Ways to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Toothbrush

To help you make the most of your toothbrush, consider practicing the following methods:

• Avoid keeping your brush in a sealed container, as this can promote mold and bacteria growth.
• Each time you clean your teeth, give your toothbrush a rinse underneath warm running tap water. You don’t have to use mouthwash or disinfectant for this process.
• Keep the head of your toothbrush from touching that of another brush. Make sure yours is stored in a separate cup.
• Don’t share your toothbrush with someone else for any reason, as this can spread bacteria and put both of you at risk of getting sick.

Keep these few tips in mind and change out your toothbrush every 3-4 months to preserve good oral health. Your teeth and gums will thank you in the long run!

About the Author

Dr. Heliben Desai received her dental degree from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine In Jersey and has been delivering outstanding care for over a decade. She’s also a proud member of several prestigious organizations like the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association, and she regularly pursues advanced training to expand her expertise. She provides a vast collection of high-quality services, including dental checkups/cleanings and oral cancer screenings. If you want to know more about getting the right toothbrush and when to replace it, visit her website or call 469-837-8351.