How often should I change my toothbrush?

“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

Why is it important to change your toothbrush every 3 months?

The American Dental Association recommends changing your brush head every 3 months to prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles, affecting your oral health and general well-being.

How long do toothbrushes last?

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also advise to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or whenever it appears to be getting worn out. Once the bristles in your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness, the toothbrush is almost ready for the trash.

Do I really need to replace my toothbrush every 3 months?

The longer you use a certain toothbrush, the more bacteria will take over the brush. Worn Out Bristles. Another reason you should change your toothbrush every three months is that over time, your toothbrush bristles will become worn out.

What type of toothbrush do dentists recommend?

Dentists recommend brushing teeth for a minimum of two minutes, twice a day, with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The right toothbrush is a matter of personal preference and financial considerations. A classic, manual brush costs a few dollars. An electric toothbrush can cost over $100.

What really is the best toothpaste?

The Top Toothpastes

• Colgate Total.
• Crest Pro-Health.
• Sensodyne ProNamel Gentle Whitening Toothpaste.
• Arm and Hammer Dental Care Advance Cleaning Mint Toothpaste w/Baking Soda.
• Tom’s of Maine Natural Anticavity Fluoride Toothpaste.
• Crest Tartar Protection.
• Tom’s of Maine Simply White Clean Mint Toothpaste.

Why we need to change your toothbrush regularly?

If you’ve been using the same tool to brush your teeth for several months, it’s probably time for a change. Swapping out your old toothbrush with a new one regularly can prevent you from getting sick and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your brushing sessions.

How long can bacteria live on a toothbrush?

Even if the virus were still hanging out on your toothbrush after you recovered—colds and flus can survive there in an infective state for anywhere from a few hours to three days —those antibodies should keep you from contracting the same illness twice.

How do you sanitize a toothbrush?

The most basic go-to method of sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the bristles before and after each use. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings. It also eliminates new bacteria which may have accumulated after each use.

Should I throw out my toothbrush after a cold sore?

Replace Your Toothbrush After an Illness If you have any type of virus, such as a cold sore, you should throw your toothbrush away. Please do not put it in the dishwater, microwave, or use disinfectants to get rid of the germs. Replacing your toothbrush may be a way to help you stay healthy.

Should you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

But chances are you’ve continued to leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. “In order for this to be a problem, the bacteria in the bathroom would have to be airborne. Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you’re scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you’re safe,” says Lowenberg.

Do I need to clean my toothbrush?

You should thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water after every use to remove any remaining food particles, toothpaste, and plaque debris, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). After rinsing, store it in an upright position and allow it to air-dry.

How do you know when to replace your toothbrush head?

If your brush head has lost effectiveness, it may leave plaque behind and can even hurt your gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends you replace your toothbrush head approximately every three to four months (around 90 days) to prevent bacteria from building up on the bristles.

How long should I brush my teeth with an electric toothbrush?

Guide the electric brush along the front surfaces, back surfaces, and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Even with a rechargeable electric toothbrush, you should spend about two minutes brushing to ensure that you’ve cleaned each tooth.