How often should you change your toothbrush?

Just like the tires on your car, your toothbrush wears out over time especially if you are brushing for the recommended two to three minutes twice a day. Over time, the bristles on the brush will become less and less effective leaving behind bacteria that can cause problems that can be avoided by a new toothbrush or brush head.

In order to help prevent dental problems before they progress, our dentists recommend changing your brush every three months if you use a manual toothbrush. If you use an electronic toothbrush (which we highly recommend!), such as a Philip’s Sonicare, make sure to check the instructions it comes with to see how often the head needs to be switched out for a new one; we suggest every 3-6 months for a healthy mouth, or as much as every four to six weeks if you suffer from gum disease in order to keep any bacteria from spreading. You should also change your toothbrush after you are sick to prevent recurrence and keep your mouth healthy.

To help your toothbrush stay as effective as possible, clean it regularly to maintain the integrity of the bristles. Proper toothbrush cleaning simply involves running the head of the toothbrush under hot water after each usage.

Philip’s Sonicare electronic toothbrushes are available for purchase from our office for $89.99. Call us or stop in today!