How often should I replace my toothbrush

Patients often asked me "how often should I replace my toothbrush"?

Replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months is sufficient, as long as the bristles are not severely worn or falling out. A toothbrush should also be replaced after an oral bacterial infection such as strepped throat or a cold, as bacteria can survive in the bristles of your toothbrush for a long time, causing you to become sick once again.

An interesting study done recently by the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Sydney Australia compared the effectiveness of a new toothbrush at removing plaque, with that of a 3 month old toothbrush. Forty adult patients were chosen at random for the study. They attended the clinic on two separate occasions, following 48 hours of no oral hygiene. Patients brushed their teeth for 60 seconds with a fluoride toothpaste each time, one visit with the new toothbrush, and one visit with the 3-month-old toothbrush. Surprisingly enough, the results were very similar - both the new and the 3 month old toothbrushes reduced the plaque by about 34%. Compared with new brushes in the same subjects, no significant differences were found for plaque score reductions for 3-month-old brushes with minor, moderate or marked wear. Their conclusion: The 3-month-old toothbrushes were as effective as new toothbrushes in plaque removal.

While each brush may be as good as its counterpart for removing plaque, it is a good habit to replace your brush somewhere between 3 and 6 months at latest, because of the various bacterias that may remain in your toothbrush with prolonged usage.

We usually gave patients new toothbrushes with their 6 month recall / cleanings as a reminder that it is time to replace their toothbrush if they have not already done so. Replacing all the toothbrushes of your family at the same time is an easy and convenient way to keep track of when to do it, and with younger children selecting colors and styles can be alot of fun too! A recognized brand name toothbrush with soft to medium bristles is generally recommended, as it will be gentle on not only your teeth, but your gums too!