How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?



When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? Most of the time, we know when to replace worn-out shoes, faded clothes, and expired items in our house but often forget about our dental hygiene tools. Oral hygiene is more important than you can realize and how often you should change your toothbrush depends on various factors such as health, usage, and preference. Are you noticing that when you brush your teeth, your gums feel more irritated, or your smile doesn’t seem to sparkle as gorgeously as before? It may be time to replace your toothbrush.

At All Smiles Dentistry in Lake Jackson, TX, we have a dedicated dental team offering you a wide variety of comfortable and quality dental care services that suit the needs of your entire family. We also educate people on how to care for their oral health. We share insightful details in this article on how often you should change your toothbrush.

When to Replace a Manual Toothbrush?

There are two types of toothbrushes: manual and electric. You can select one depending on your comfort, convenience, or ease of use. Manual toothbrushes are convenient since they are portable, ready to use each time, make no noise and give you control over the pressure you exact on your teeth and gums. 

Using your toothbrush for a long time makes the bristles frayed and worn out. A worn-out toothbrush might be ineffective in clearing plaque and food remnants, increasing your risk of gum diseases and tooth decay. Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months can help guarantee a healthier smile.

When to Replace the Head of an Electric Toothbrush



Electric toothbrushes require charging and might be inconvenient to bring along when traveling. They clean the surface area of your teeth by quickly rotating and vibrating using nylon bristles. Electric toothbrushes’ bristles are shorter and wear and fray faster than manual toothbrushes after regular use. Ensure to change the head of your electric toothbrush after every 12 weeks or less if you notice the bristles are in bad shape.

How to Clean Your Toothbrush

Always keep your toothbrush clean no matter the type of toothbrush you use, electric or manual. How to clean your toothbrush depends on your preference since there are several ways to disinfect it between use. You can easily clean your manual toothbrush by rinsing it with hot running water. The hot water helps soften the bristles and release debris and food particles. Rub your thumb over the bristles under the hot water and then rinse it with cold water to firm up the bristles.

You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash to disinfect your manual toothbrush. This cleaning method is done by soaking the toothbrush in mouthwash for about 15 minutes. However, this method is not highly recommended since it is perceived to spread germs, and you risk damaging the bristles of your toothbrush since mouthwashes contain harsh ingredients.   

You disinfect an electric toothbrush just as you would a manual toothbrush. However, disconnect the toothbrush head from the electric base before cleaning. If your electric toothbrush is the type that does not detach from the base, rinse it with hot water or soak it in a quick mouthwash for about 15 minutes and store it in a cool, dry place. 

How often you should change your toothbrush also depends on how you store them. To make the most of your toothbrush, take care of it as any personal grooming or hygiene tool. Follow the following tips for keeping your toothbrush to ensure it is in good condition:

How often should you replace your toothbrush? Ensure you and your family regularly replace your toothbrush every three to four months if you want to keep a healthy smile and maintain good oral hygiene.

Are you looking for quality dental care in Lake Jackson, TX? All Smiles Dentistry is committed to providing you and your family with the best dental services. Our doctors are caring and compassionate professionals, using the latest technology and treatment to offer you the best dental care. Contact us for inquiries and schedule an appointment online.