Your toothbrush plays an important role when it comes to keeping your mouth clean – you use it everyday! Hopefully two times a day, if you follow the recommended minimum.
With your toothbrush being used so frequently, it’s vital to keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that consumers replace toothbrushes approximately every 3–4 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed with use. Studies show that after three months of regular use, toothbrushes are 30 percent less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to using a new toothbrush.
Luckily, it’s easier than ever to find a toothbrush (both manual and powered) that come equipped with bristles which fade over time and indicate that you’re up for a new toothbrush.
It’s also a good idea to switch out your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat, as fungus and bacteria can be harbored in the bristles – which is another great reason to switch out your toothbrush on a regular basis.
To keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible, be sure to rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing and store it in an upright position to air-dry and be ready for later.
