How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush
When:
- For the best results from brushing, you should replace your toothbrush:
- At least every three months
- When bristles begins to show wear
- After an illness such as a cold or flu
Why:
- Reasons why you should replace your toothbrush frequently:
- Toothbrushes just simply wear out
- Toothbrushes are often worn enough to be replaced before they look worn
- Bristles breakdown and lose their effectiveness
- Worn and fractured bristles are a breeding ground for germs, fungus and bacteria
- Worn toothbrushes can damage gum tissue
Children’s toothbrushes:
- Require special attention and monitoring because:
- Bristle wear occurs quickly because children often brush with uneven strokes
- Children sometimes chew or bite on their toothbrush bristles
Did you know:
- People who wear braces should change their toothbrushes frequently because braces break down and fracture bristles and the toothbrushes lose their effectiveness.
- A new toothbrush is 30% more effective at removing plaque.