When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

28 Sep When Should I Change My Toothbrush?

Brushing teeth twice daily is a core part of regular dental hygiene. However, to ensure effective brushing, you need a quality toothbrush.

Over time, even the best toothbrush will wear down. That’s why you must replace your toothbrush in a timely manner.

But how often should you replace your toothbrush?

Read to find out.

Replacing a Manual Toothbrush

The CDC advises you to replace a manual toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. But why?

Daily use wears down a toothbrush. The bristles weaken, and may even fray out. Bent, splayed bristles are not as effective for cleaning your teeth. They may leave behind plaque and fail to polish your teeth.

Changing out your toothbrush ensures that you effectively brush them. It helps remove plaque and keep your teeth strong and healthy.

When to Replace an Electric Toothbrush

What about an electric toothbrush? When should you change the brush head?

Again, the recommendation is to replace the head every 3 months. However, electric brushes have shorter bristles. Therefore, the bristles can wear out faster. You should examine the bristles to determine if you need to replace them before the 3-month mark.

Examine Your Toothbrush

The CDC guidelines are a helpful time frame and reminder for changing your toothbrush. However, they aren’t the only thing that matters. Don’t rely on only a predetermined time frame. Instead, you need to evaluate the condition of your toothbrush to determine when to change it. If the bristles are bent, weak, or spreading out, then you should swap out your toothbrush or brush head. Furthermore, if anyone in your household has been sick, consider changing out the toothbrush.

Preventative Dental Care in Mississauga, ON

In three months, a toothbrush gets over 180 uses! It makes sense why most need to be replaced by that time. Of course, you should monitor your brush to determine when to change it, as you may need a new one sooner.

In addition to daily brushing and flossing, dental cleanings and exams are critical for long-term oral health. For complete preventative dentistry in Mississauga, turn to Schellenberg Dental. Our dedicated team is here to help you maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Schedule your next appointment for preventative dental care in Mississauga today.