When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Keep your toothbrush clean.

Your toothbrush may not be as clean as you think. Research shows that a single toothbrush can be laden with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria! Fortunately, toothpaste has an anti-germ ingredient built-in to it.
To best protect your toothbrush against unnecessary germs, rinse it with water after brushing and store it in an upright position. In between replacement, you can soak your toothbrush in mouthwash. Mouthwash contains an antiseptic that can kill germs.

Knowing when to replace your toothbrush is just as important as brushing twice a day and flossing.

The biggest decision you used to make when buying a toothbrush was soft, medium, or hard bristles. There are dozens of types of brushes, from simple to pricier versions.Just as importantly as knowing how to use your toothbrush, is knowing when to replace it.

Dr. Mandera recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 months.Replace your toothbrush sooner if you have recently gotten over a cold, or if your toothbrush is stored in the same container as family members who have been sick. Granted, not many will mark their calendars for when they are due to switch the old for the new, so when in doubt, just look at the bristles. If they appear frayed, its time to replace. Toothbrushes that are worn will not clean your teeth as effectively.