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.