How long should a toothbrush last?

“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.

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.

How do you know when to change your toothbrush?

According to the American Dental Association, it is highly recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Why? Studies have shown that, over the course of 3 months, your toothbrush begins to wear down, making it less effective.

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.

Can you get sick from toothbrush in toilet?

When you flush your toilet, some bacteria will be sent into the air and can land on your toothbrush. Just keep your toothbrush and rinsing cups as far away as possible from the toilet. Also, you can close the toilet lid before flushing.

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.

Is it bad to leave your toothbrush in the bathroom?

Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you’re scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you’re safe,” says Lowenberg. If bacteria gets trapped there, oxygen cannot get in, and anerobic bacteria can grow,” he explains. This is the same bacteria that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.