Let’s face it, we often forget about the humble toothbrush while it works tirelessly to keep our teeth clean. Whether we have fancy electric toothbrushes or regular run-of-the-mill manual ones, this often overlooked tool plays a vital role in our daily hygiene routine. But did you know that your old one could be harboring harmful bacteria? And how often should you really be swapping it out for a new one?
Most of us actually use our toothbrushes far past their expiration date. And as a dentist, I’ve seen it all. I once had a patient tell me that he had been using the same one for THREE years. And no, not the electric toothbrush itself, but the electric toothbrush head. I can’t say I blame him – those toothbrush heads are expensive! But, I can’t help but wonder what we would have found if we cultured a sample of bacteria from that three year old brush. How gross do our toothbrushes really get? And do they really need to be replaced that often?
Here are my thoughts on why it’s a good idea to switch out your toothbrush far before you get your hands on that free one that comes with your dental cleaning.
Why Change Your Toothbrush?
First things first: why is it important to change your toothbrush regularly? Over time, toothbrushes can become a breeding ground for germs, harboring thousands to even millions of bacteria. While some of these bacteria are harmless, others, like Streptococcus mutans (the main cause of cavities) and E. coli, are not. Frequent toothbrush replacement significantly decreases bacterial growth as these species replicate over time.
Germs aren’t the only problem. Worn toothbrushes lose their effectiveness as they become misshapen and frayed. It is much, much more difficult for an old toothbrush to remove plaque and yucky debris. And the longer these sticky films are left on teeth, the more they harden into tartar, which can then only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Not only this, but these old and stiff bristles can irritate the gums and cause discomfort.
The Rule of Thumb
We, as dentists, along with the American Dental Association, recommend replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months. But that is not a hard and fast rule. Depending on your toothbrush type and brushing style, you may need to swap it out sooner.
Here are some signs it’s time to bid farewell to your toothbrush:
- Worn Bristles: Even if you haven’t hit the 3-month mark, check your brush regularly. If your bristles are frayed or splayed, it’s time for a change. Worn bristles can’t effectively remove the plaque and debris that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Illness: If you’ve recently been sick, it’s a good idea to change your toothbrush. Bacteria and viruses can linger on the bristles, potentially leading to reinfection. Pro tip: Don’t have an extra toothbrush lying around? Pour some boiling water over your toothbrush head instead.
Make it a Habit
Even if you don’t notice the obvious sign of worn bristles, there is still invisible bacteria, and possibly even viruses and fungi, lingering on your toothbrush. So to help you remember to change your toothbrush every few months, consider the following tips:
- Calendar Reminder: Set a recurring reminder on your phone or calendar.
- Seasonal Change: Keep it easy by making it a seasonal tradition. Change your toothbrush with the seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter.
- Buy in Bulk: Stock up on toothbrushes, so you always have a new one ready to go when it’s time for a change. Plus, this is often more cost effective. Costco anyone?
Bonus Tips for Toothbrush Care
- Rinse After Use: Always rinse your toothbrush with warm or hot water thoroughly. If you choose to sanitize with boiling water, just know that this can potentially damage bristles or plastic in the brush over time, so I wouldn’t recommend this more often than every few weeks or so.
- Air Dry: Store your toothbrush in an upright position in a glass or toothbrush holder and let it air dry to minimize bacteria growth. I’ve had quite a few patients tell me they dry their toothbrushes on their towels – please don’t do this! You are only transferring germs from your towels onto your toothbrush.
- Soak Your Toothbrush: Try soaking your toothbrush in equal parts hydrogen peroxide in water or in antibacterial mouthwash for ~10 minutes. Make sure to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after soaking before use.
- Don’t Share: Did you know that sharing toothbrushes can literally exchange the bacterial species living in your mouths? Some people harbor more cavity causing and gum-disease causing bacteria than others, and you can actually increase your risk of dental problems by sharing with someone. So the next time you are staying at a friends and forget your toothbrush, skip out on brushing rather than use theirs!
Final Thoughts
Remember, maintaining your toothbrush is just as important as using it. So the next time you see those frayed edges starting to show on your toothbrush, it’s time to make the swap.
And the only toothbrushes you should be keeping for over 4 months are the ones you use to scrub the grout in your bathroom.
How often do you guys change your toothbrush?
~Dr. Lee