This Is How Often Dentists Say You Should Replace Your Toothbrush
When it comes to good dental hygiene, we all know the basics. Brush your teeth twice a day, keep up with flossing, use a good mouthwash, and maybe even try out a tongue scraper for additional benefits. Your toothbrush is one of the most important tools in your quest for the best, healthiest smile. As something you use twice a day (sometimes more), it’s likely seen some things. So, how often should you replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?
Meet the Experts: Marina Gonchar, D.M.D., a board-certified orthodontist in Morristown, NJ; Matthew J. Messina, D.D.S., consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).
We asked dental experts to share everything you need to know about changing your toothbrush (including signs it’s time for a new one, what happens if you dont’t replace it often enough, and more), so you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting your tooth and gum health.
How often should you change your toothbrush?
“Ideally, you should try to replace your toothbrush on a three-month basis,” says Marina Gonchar, D.M.D., a board-certified orthodontist in Morristown, NJ. After this period of time, the toothbrush can become less effective in cleaning your teeth. “After three months, the bristles of the brush often break and fray, which makes it less effective at removing plaque and can even result in gum irritation and recession,” explains Gonchar. “Additionally, it is essential that your toothbrush is not colonized by harmful bacteria, which becomes more and more likely with prolonged use.”
If you use an electric toothbrush, the timeline is largely the same. “Like with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrush heads should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed,” says Matthew J. Messina, D.D.S., consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA). “The toothbrush heads of both manual and electric toothbrushes are similar in composition and are subject to the same issues with overuse, such as the fraying of bristles and bacterial overgrowth,” adds Gonchar.
When to throw away a toothbrush
Gonchar and Messina both agree that if you notice the bristles of your toothbrush getting frayed, splayed out, or discolored, it’s probably time for an update. But you should also be paying attention to how well you feel the brush is cleaning your teeth. “Other considerations should include the amount of time the brush has been in use, a general feeling that your teeth are not as clean after brushing, and an unpleasant smell coming from your toothbrush,” Gonchar says.
Additionally, if you’ve been sick recently, you might want to start fresh with a new toothbrush. “It’s recommended to replace your brush after a cold or flu to prevent recontamination and repopulation of the mouth flora with the harmful bacteria,” Gonchar adds.
Potential risks of not changing your toothbrush
“Not replacing your toothbrush often enough can affect how well your teeth are getting clean since the effectiveness of the toothbrush decreases as it begins to wear,” Messina explains. Continuing to use a toothbrush that is no longer effective can also increase your risk of cavities and other damage. “Using frayed/broken toothbrush bristles can also result in damage to the gums and possible gum recession. Overuse of a toothbrush can also result in the spread of bad bacteria, increasing the risk of oral infections and bad breath,” Gonchar adds. Additionally, frayed bristles can cause damage to the enamel (the outer layer of the tooth), and possible tooth sensitivity, she says.
Dental health tips
Replacing your toothbrush regularly isn’t the only way to keep your smile bright. Gonchar and Messina also recommend trying these tips to promote good oral health.
Choose a good toothbrush. It turns out not all toothbrushes are created equal. “Regardless of whether you choose a manual or powered toothbrush, it should be a soft-bristled brush, as anything firmer may cause damage to your gums and enamel,” Messina says.
Keep your toothbrush clean. In addition to replacing your brush regularly, there are actions you can take to keep it as clean as possible in between uses. “Rinse your brush thoroughly after use and remove as much water as possible from the brush,” Gonchar suggests. “Never store your brush in a closed flat container to avoid trapping moisture that can frequently result in bacterial and fungal growth.”
Brush your teeth regularly. “The ADA recommends brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily with an interdental cleanser such as floss or a water flosser,” Messina says.
Make sure you brush your teeth properly. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s possible to be brushing your teeth wrong without realizing it. Messina recommends following these steps to brush your teeth: “Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums. Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide strokes). Brush the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Finally, to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up-and-down strokes.”
Consider your diet. Certain foods and drinks may be worse for your teeth in the long-run. “The ADA recommends people eat a healthy diet and limit sugary beverages and snacks,” says Messina. “While healthy eating is best for overall health, there is also an association between sugar intake and cavities.”
Get regular dental check-ups. Finally, the best way to be sure you have good oral health is to check in often with a professional. “It’s important to visit your dentist regularly as dentists are the doctors of oral health,” Messina says. “They are an important part of prevention and treatment of oral disease.”
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