Your toothbrush does a lot of work. It reaches into the nooks and crannies of your mouth to help clean out food, bacteria, and other gunk. Over time, your toothbrush takes a beating. How often should you swap your old one out for a new one?

You Should Replace Your Toothbrush Every…

Over the months, your toothbrush bristles fray, losing their ability to properly clean. If you’re like most people, you only change out your toothbrush when you visit the dentist twice a year. But the truth is you should be swapping out your toothbrush much more often.

The most common recommendation for changing out your toothbrush is every two to four months. If you’re uncertain of whether it’s time to change, keep this phrase in mind: When in doubt, change it out.

If you have a travel-only toothbrush, you don’t have to swipe it out as often. But you should still change it out! And be sure to completely dry it out before storing it. Moisture left on the bristles combined with a dark storage area creates an environment ripe for bacteria growth.

Signs You Should Replace Your Toothbrush Early

If your bristles are fanned out or have an odor, it’s time to replace your toothbrush. Ways to prevent these two common issues are to not press so hard when you brush and to dry your toothbrush before putting it away. 

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re ready to improve your oral health, make an appointment with Dr. Michael Fernandez Family Dentistry today.