Be honest – when was the last time you changed your toothbrush?
Can’t remember?
If so, you’re probably ready for a new one.
Your toothbrush is your first line of defence against bacteria and plaque and replacing it at the right time is essential for maintaining your oral health. But it can be difficult to know when it’s nearing the end of its natural lifespan. So to clear up some of the confusion, here our dental experts give their opinion on when to toss out your old and battered bristles.
The average lifespan of a toothbrush
The lifespan of a manual toothbrush will depend on several factors, including the type and quality of the brush, how often it is used and whether you look after it properly. But as a general rule-of-thumb, you should aim to swap it out at least once every 3-4 months.
Why so often?
Every time you use your toothbrush, the bristles are exposed to pressure, water, and chemicals from the toothpaste. This can make them gradually weaker and, as they lose their stiffness, they will start to fray and twist into a new shape – in a process known as ‘bristle flaring’.
Bristle flaring significantly reduces the effectiveness of your toothbrush. Unable to reach spots between the teeth and along the gumline, the bristles won’t achieve a thorough clean. And studies have shown that a flared toothbrush can lead to a considerable build-up of bacteria and plaque, which, over time, can cause issues such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Reasons to change your toothbrush earlier
The above guideline applies if you follow the normal routine of brushing twice a day and take proper care of your toothbrush. But there are some circumstances in which you should say goodbye to your old toothbrush before the 3-4 month recommendation. For example:
- If your manual toothbrush looks visibly worn
Take a look at your toothbrush. Are they any obvious signs of deterioration? Does it look clean and fresh? If not, replace it. It’s also a good idea to keep a close eye on the bristles. They should be straight, springy, and sturdy enough to brush away food particles.
- If you use an electric toothbrush
The bristles on an electric toothbrush tend to be shorter than those on a manual model. Therefore, they fray more quickly and will need to be replaced more often. We recommend changing the head once every 12 weeks and watch out for signs of wear and tear on the bristles.
- If you or a family member has been sick
Whilst you’re unlikely to reinfect yourself, germs can survive on a toothbrush for up to three days. If you keep your toothbrush next to the rest of the family’s, it’s very easy for those germs to spread – particularly viral and bacterial infections such as strep throat. So if you’ve been sick, the safest option is to get rid and invest in a new toothbrush for everyone.
- If the toothbrush belongs to a child
Children tend to gnaw on the handle or squeeze the toothbrush head between their teeth. This can significantly lessen its effectiveness. Therefore, it’s usually worth changing a child’s toothbrush more often than adults – and always ensure they rinse the brush head thoroughly after each use.
- If someone else uses your toothbrush
It doesn’t matter if it was your partner, child, a close friend, relative. If someone else has picked up your toothbrush by accident, it’s time for a replacement. Everyone’s mouth harbours different bacteria and, for the sake of buying a new one, it isn’t worth the risk of infection.
How to maximise the lifespan of your toothbrush
One of the easiest ways to maximise your toothbrush’s lifespan is to invest in a high-quality product.
Although the right type for you comes down to personal preference, electric models do offer a number of advantages and we highly recommend the Icy Bear Sonic Whitening Toothbrush. Using advanced sonic technology, this provides powerful cleaning action and features durable DuPont brush heads that are designed to last.
It’s also crucial that you look after your toothbrush properly. You should:
– rinse it thoroughly after use to prevent the growth of bacteria
– never attempt to sanitise it (e.g. with mouthwash or hot water)
– store it in an upright position
– allow it to air dry (closed containers can promote microbial growth)
– never allow the heads of multiple toothbrushes to touch
For more information on how to look after your bristles – and how often you should be changing your toothbrush – please feel free to get in touch at any time. After all, this is our area of expertise, and we’re always happy to offer advice. It may even be worth booking a dental check-up at our St Helens dental clinic to discuss your oral health and brushing routine in detail. Either give us a call on 01744 25776 or send an email to info@kilnlanedental.co.uk and we’ll respond as soon as possible.