From Old to New: How to Know When It’s Time to Change Your Toothbrush

How old is your current toothbrush? Have you been using it for months or even years? Do you notice a difference in the bristles? Do you wonder if it might be carrying bad bacteria that could cause you to become sick? A dentist in Oshkosh weighs in on the topic to share when it’s the best time to swap out your old brush for a new one and what can happen if you wait too long.   

Problems You Might Face When Using an Old Toothbrush

No matter if you’re using a manual toothbrush or an electric one, changing them out regularly will help to minimize your risk for some of the most common oral health problems. Because you (hopefully) brush your teeth multiple times each day, it is exposed to an endless array of germs and bacteria not only from your mouth but also in the environment in which it is sitting.

To better understand the problems that can arise as a result of your continuously used, old toothbrush, here are a few examples:

• Viruses and bad bacteria can live on your toothbrush long after you’ve been sick. If you were keeping up with your oral hygiene during your illness (which you should), the germs can remain on your brush and cause you to become sick again.
• Particles that exist in the air can attach to your bristles and lead to illness and infection, especially if you keep your toothbrush near your toilet. Each time you flush, tiny particles enter the air and can easily find their way onto your brush.
• An old, ineffective toothbrush that has frayed bristles can lead to an increased build-up of plaque and tartar that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease over time.

When You Should Make the Switch

So, how can you know when it’s time to make the switch to a new manual brush or electric brush head? The American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend changing it out every 3-4 months. Should your bristles become frayed much sooner, you will need to swap it out even earlier. Frayed brushes can be ineffective when attempting to thoroughly clean teeth and gums.

If you want to make sure your toothbrush lasts the full 3-4 months, there are a few things you can do to effectively clean and safeguard your brush, including:

• Rinse your brush head with tap water. “Sanitizing” your brush can actually cause germs to spread.
• Never let anyone else use your toothbrush.
• Allow your toothbrush to air dry. Keeping a cover over it or in a drawer causes bacteria to grow and spread.

Knowing when to change your toothbrush can save you a lot of time and money on restorative dental care. Making the switch at the right time will help to keep your teeth and gums free of decay and infection, allowing you to enjoy a healthier, more vibrant smile.

About the Author
Need help to make sure your oral hygiene at home is in tip-top shape? Don’t be afraid to ask Dr. Bob Heil for assistance. With more than 20 years of experience working in dentistry, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Dr. Heil is here to help patients better navigate their oral healthcare not only while seeking professional treatment in-house but also while maintaining their smiles at home in-between appointments. If you want to minimize your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, or bad breath, contact us at (920) 235-0320 to learn a few tips that can keep your teeth and gums in optimal shape.