How Often Should You Really Replace Your Toothbrush?

Some people don’t change their toothbrush until they start to notice their old one is looking a little tatty or the bristles are starting to bend. Others will purchase a new toothbrush when they go travelling, usually as a result of forgetting to take one with them.

Another common reason to replace your toothbrush would be after a bout of illness – some people like the idea of a fresh toothbrush after illness.

There are also those who are guilty of holding on to their toothbrush for far too long, usually out of forgetfulness or routine.

In this guide, we’re looking at some of the factors that influence how long you should hold on to your toothbrush. We’ll also share our tips on choosing the perfect toothbrush for your needs.

How often should you change your toothbrush?

The general advice is that you should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. However, this doesn’t work for everyone. It’s often far better to learn the signs that your toothbrush is no longer effective and take action from there. This can help to avoid replacing your toothbrush sooner than you need to, contributing to increased waste.

How often you need to replace your toothbrush will also depend on a range of factors, such as the type of toothbrush and how often you use it. For example, if you travel a lot, you might have a brush for home and a brush for on the road. This would extend the life of each toothbrush.

Patients with braces or dental restorations like dental implants might be more wary about making sure that their toothbrush is up to the task. This might mean that they are more likely to replace their toothbrush at the first sign that the bristles have become less effective.

Your choice of toothbrush will also have an impact. Those with a soft bristled toothbrush will find that it wears down quicker than a medium or firm bristled toothbrush.

Signs that you need a new toothbrush

Rather than stick to a schedule that might not work for you, it’s far better to learn the signs that you need to replace your toothbrush by looking closely at the brush head.

Your toothbrush might have wear indicators to let you know when it’s time to replace it. These are coloured bristles that turn white with wear. Once the colour is done, you know it’s time for a new brush.

Another way to check would be to look at your bristles. If they are standing up straight, this is a sign your toothbrush is still effective. Once the ends of the bristles start to bend, you know it’s time to replace your brush. If the bristles are not standing straight, they are not going to brush your teeth effectively.

It’s also a good idea to change your toothbrush if you drop it somewhere unsanitary. While you might be able to rinse your brush, it’s usually a good idea to avoid any potential contact with bacteria and replace it.

Finally, some people also like to replace their toothbrush following an illness like a cold, flu or Covid-19. If you have a sore throat or respiratory infection, you risk re-introducing bacteria into your body if you keep the same brush.

You could also set a calendar reminder for every 4 months so that you don’t have to worry about the lifespan of your toothbrush. If, at the end of the 4 months, your toothbrush is showing no signs or wear or excessive signs of wear, this could be a sign you’re using the wrong toothbrush.

Choosing the right toothbrush

Your choice of toothbrush will have a big impact on your oral health. With so much choice available, it can be hard for patients to know which option is best.

In general, toothbrushes are available in manual or electric styles, with bristles that are firm, medium or soft.

An electric toothbrush gives peace of mind that you are brushing effectively, even if you have doubts about your technique. A manual brush can be just as effective, provided you have good brushing technique.

When it comes to the firmness of the bristles, it’s often down to preference.

Children should use a soft bristled brush to prevent damage to their gums. Those with delicate gums due to gum disease might also switch to a soft bristled brush to help minimise damage while they bring this condition under control.

Patients with dentures or braces might appreciate the support of a medium or firm bristled brush, as this will be more effective for cleaning hard to reach areas and dental restorations. This can be paired with interdental cleaning tools to remove all traces of food debris.

In general, most patients can use a medium bristled toothbrush. This is the most popular style, and will provide enough force to remove bacteria from your teeth, without risking damage to your gums.

Try to avoid using a soft bristled toothbrush unless directed by your dentist. This is because there is the risk that you won’t be able to clean your teeth sufficiently with this type of brush.

Need help choosing your next toothbrush? Book an appointment with our dental team to get personalised advice.