How Often You Need a New Toothbrush, According to Dentists

Did you know that the human mouth contains more than 6 billion bacteria on average? Your mouth is the perfect environment for bacteria, germs, and microbes — good and bad — to survive, making it crucial to practice good oral hygiene daily by brushing your teeth — and you need a quality toothbrush to ensure a thorough clean. However, bristles degrade and become less effective through repeated use, so if you’ve already been using your toothbrush for a couple of months, it may be time for an upgrade. According to dentists, this is how often you need a new toothbrush.

Manual Toothbrushes: Every Three to Four Months

The American Dental Association recommends replacing manual toothbrushes every three to four months. Bacteria builds up on toothbrush bristles with repeated use, similar to how sponges get dirtier the more you wash the dishes. Putting old bacteria into your mouth leads to less effective cleaning and increases your risk of developing an oral infection. You should replace your manual toothbrush sooner if the bristles are frayed or matted — damaged bristles are less effective at removing plaque.

Electric Toothbrush Heads: Every Two to Three Months

While electric toothbrushes are built to last, most experts agree that the removable brush heads should be swapped out every two to three months. Electric toothbrushes clean by rapidly vibrating, which means their bristles wear down much quicker. Like manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads can fray and flatten over time, leading to less effective cleaning and reintroducing harmful bacteria to your mouth.

After Sickness: ASAP

Whether you use a manual or electric toothbrush, replacing your brush or brush head after recovering from an illness is important. The same bacteria and germs that made you sick may linger on the bristles long after use, leading to cross-contamination or reinfection. Swap out your toothbrush as soon as you feel better.

Tips for Toothbrush Care

You can’t make your toothbrush last forever, but you can extend its life with a few simple steps.

• Thoroughly wash your toothbrush after each use. 

• Disinfect your toothbrush once weekly by filling a small cup with antibacterial mouthwash (designed to kill and prevent bacterial growth) and stirring your brush in the solution for 30 seconds. Keep your toothbrush stored in an upright position so that the water can drain.

• Store your toothbrush in a cupboard or drawer, and never leave it exposed in a bathroom. Particles from your toilet and sink can stick to your toothbrush, so make sure to keep it stored somewhere protected.

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