How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush? 

Let’s take a look at when you should change a manual toothbrush and an electric toothbrush head. 

Manual Toothbrush 

A manual toothbrush should be replaced about every three months or sooner depending on your brushing habits. 

Electric Toothbrush 

Electric toothbrushes should be replaced every three months as well — although you don’t have to replace the whole toothbrush, just the brush head. 

With this timeline in mind, let’s learn when to swap your current toothbrush for a new one. 

Signs It’s Time to Change Your Toothbrush 

It’s important to examine your toothbrush often and look for signs that it’s time for a new one: 

• Frayed Bristles: First, look at the bristles on your toothbrush. Frayed bristles will not clean your teeth well and can irritate your gums. 

• Discoloration: If your toothbrush has color-changing bristles they help signal when your brush is ready to be replaced. 

• Poor Cleaning: Lastly, if you’ve brushed like you should, but your teeth still don’t feel very clean, it’s time to swap out your toothbrush. 

If you notice any or all of these signs, replace your toothbrush (or brush head for an electric toothbrush) as soon as possible. 

What to Look for in a Toothbrush 

Choosing the right toothbrush is an important part of your oral hygiene routine. Here are factors to consider when making your decision. 

Size 

Your toothbrush head should be small enough to effectively reach and clean every surface of every tooth. The handle should be comfortable and easy for you to hold. 

Bristles 

Be sure your toothbrush has soft bristles that will gently clean your hard and soft tissues. 

Type 

Toothbrushes can be manual or electric. Scientific evidence has shown that electric toothbrushes remove plaque more effectively than manual toothbrushes. 

Manual 

A manual brush is less expensive than an electric toothbrush and simple to replace. However, it will not have as many features and does not remove as much plaque as an electric version. 

Electric 

An electric toothbrush is usually a bit more expensive but will be more effective at cleaning your teeth. 

For example, electric toothbrushes are designed with vibrating or rotating bristles that help remove plaque more thoroughly compared to manual brushes. Many electric toothbrushes also have round brush heads that easily clean around and between each tooth. 

Risks of Not Changing Your Toothbrush Regularly

Wondering if you really have to change your toothbrush that often? Here are the risks of not doing so. 

Plaque Buildup 

As we mentioned above, if you don’t change your toothbrush when it is worn out, your teeth won’t get very clean. Plaque will build up on your teeth because you’re not removing it effectively each day. 

Tooth Decay and Cavities 

With all that plaque buildup, you’re at a greater risk for tooth decay and cavities. 

Gum Disease 

Extra plaque build-up increases your risk for gum disease. Although mild gum disease is reversible through better dental hygiene and a professional deep cleaning, once the disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Oral Health 

To improve overall oral health game and prevent the risks mentioned above, here are a few more tips: 

Use a Fluorinated Toothpaste 

Dentists suggest using toothpaste with fluoride because the mineral prevents tooth decay and cavities, and helps remineralize enamel to strengthen teeth. 

Watch Your Technique 

When it comes to brushing, technique matters. Angle your toothbrush 45 degrees to the gum line and, beginning in the back of your mouth, clean all surfaces of each tooth using a back-and-forth motion. Dentists recommend brushing for two minutes two times a day. 

Brush Morning and Night 

Brush your teeth every morning when you get up and every night before you go to bed or after your last meal. Your last brush should remove all food particles and plaque from the day. 

Follow Up with Flossing 

In addition to brushing, floss your teeth at least once a day. Flossing will remove any food stuck between your teeth, and it reaches where your toothbrush can’t. 

Rinse with Antibacterial Mouthwash 

Rinsing your mouth with antibacterial mouthwash is a good extra step to help keep your teeth and gums extra clean. 

Drink Water Throughout the Day 

Drinking water is another way you can improve your oral health. In many places, water contains fluoride, which strengthens your teeth. Water also helps rinse away leftover food particles. 

Avoid Sugar 

Cut down on sugar for the sake of your teeth. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, creating acids that can damage your tooth enamel. 

Eat a Tooth-Healthy Diet 

Instead of sugary foods, eat fibrous fruits and vegetables, like apples, celery, and carrots. These are naturally abrasive and will stimulate saliva production to help rid your teeth of plaque. 

In addition, foods with calcium and phosphorus are helpful for your teeth because they strengthen tooth enamel and protect against erosion. These include milk, cheese, yogurt, almonds, and fish. 

Other tooth-healthy nutrients to look for include vitamin D (in fish and eggs) and vitamin C (found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and peppers). 

Make Regular Visits to Your Dentist 

Once you have your at-home routine down, be sure to visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning. 

Quit Smoking 

Lastly, nix nicotine and tobacco products. They are harmful to your teeth, gums, and overall health. 

A Better Clean with Oral-B

Now you know how often you should change your toothbrush (about every three months) and how important it is to your oral health. 

Select the best tool for the job with Oral-B’s iO Electric Toothbrush Series. Our electric toothbrushes clean 100% more plaque than manual toothbrushes for a professional clean feeling at home every time you brush. 

Sources 

• Toothbrush care, cleaning and replacement - The Journal of the American Dental Association 

• Taking Care of Your Teeth and Mouth | National Institute on Aging 

• A graphic tool to help consumers determine when to replace a toothbrush: a cohort study - PMC 

• Tooth brushing and oral health: how frequently and when should tooth brushing be performed? - PubMed