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Have you replaced your toothbrush lately? A dentist weighs in on when to swap
If those bristles have seen better days, a switch is probably in order — your oral health depends on it, experts say.
One of the first tasks almost every person tackles in the morning? Brushing their teeth. Some folks can't imagine having a conversation without polishing their pearly whites, let alone taking a sip of coffee or a bite of toast.
We all know the importance of brushing — and flossing! — but many of us slack off when it comes to keeping our tools in tip-top shape. Can you remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If the answer is no, you're not alone. But let this be your reminder: You're probably long overdue for a swap!
According to the American Dental Association, which advises brushing your teeth two times a day for two minutes each time, people should replace their toothbrush every three to four months or more often if the bristles are "visibly matted or frayed." That's about every 12 to 16 weeks, or about four times a year. The association adds that replacing your toothbrush on this schedule is essential because the effectiveness of a brush decreases as the bristles become worn.
"The best rule of thumb is once a quarter," says Dr. Victoria Veytsman, a cosmetic dentist with practices in New York City and southern California. "While it isn't pleasant to think about, germs and bacteria can build up within your brush's bristles over time. Without proper replacement, your teeth-brushing, therefore, becomes less effective."
To increase the longevity and effectiveness of your toothbrush, the ADA recommends rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after each use to remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is an especially important step to remove bacteria, blood, saliva, oral debris and more during the brushing process.
After a good rinse, the ADA advises storing your toothbrush in an upright position, allowing it to air-dry. Storing a toothbrush in a closed container (yes, even just around the brush head) "promotes microbial growth more so than leaving it exposed to the open air."
There are many ways to remind yourself to replace your toothbrush. Some electric toothbrush models alert you after a certain number of uses to replace the brush head, removing the guesswork. Then, there are indicator bristles on manual toothbrushes that gradually lose color as your toothbrush ages, reminding you that it's time for a swap. But you can also set a calendar reminder or simply write the swap date on your disposable brush to make sure you're getting the most out of your dental routine.
"Check in at the start of each new season with your gadgets and replace the necessary items, and you're good to go,” Veytsman says. "Your teeth, gums and dentist will thank you for it!"
Does your toothbrush desperately need to be swapped? Check out these options below — some of which can even help you track when to refresh the brush head or the entire toothbrush.
The Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 is like having a dentist in a toothbrush. The model has a sensor that alerts you if you're brushing too hard. It comes with three intensities and four modes, allowing you to tailor your cleaning. You can track your brushing via an app that alerts you when it's time to swap your brush head.
More than 8,500 Amazon shoppers give it a five-star rating, and one shopper called it "the greatest toothbrush I've ever owned."
"I wish I could give it 10 stars," the reviewer wrote. "I've never had a toothbrush clean as thoroughly as this one. My back teeth never seem clean, even with electric brushes. I've had to take a pick and manually scrape plaque off them. This one though? They were completely clean and smooth after the first use. Buy this toothbrush!"
The popular, more budget-friendly Oral-B Pro 1000 has a round brush head with innovative crossed bristles for a thorough clean. There are pressure sensors to alert you if you're brushing too hard. Plus, this model has a built-in timer to help you brush for a dentist-recommended two minutes. Though it won't alert you when it's time to swap out your brush head, you can note your swap date on the disposable brush, or set a calendar alert to remind yourself.
“I’ve used both the Sonicare and the Oral-B and while either is a huge step up from manual toothbrushes, I get better checkups with the Oral-B,” shared one reviewer. "My cleanings now usually only take about 30 minutes in and out. There's very little tartar that needs to be removed, and my gums are in good shape. I must add, however, that I also use the Waterpik flosser, which I think greatly helps."
A simple yet effective classic, this budget-friendly toothbrush has soft bristles, which the ADA recommends. The brush's blue indicator bristles gradually turn white over time, signaling that it's time to swap brushes.
"Best toothbrush for sensitive gums," wrote one five-star reviewer. "I have very sensitive gums and many toothbrushes irritate them. These don't. After brushing, my teeth are clean and my gums happy!"
For an eco-conscious toothbrush choice, turn to Better & Better. The sustainable dental brand creates some of the best bamboo toothbrushes on the market. A replaceable head design allows you to replace the portion of your toothbrush that gets all the wear and tear. Simply note your swap date on the brush head with a marker (it won’t wash off the bamboo!), and you’ll be good to go.
"I'm so glad I found this toothbrush," wrote one happy customer. "The bristles feel great, like a gentle gum massage. I'm always looking for little ways to reduce my plastic waste, so love that it's A.) plastic-free and B.) has a replaceable head. ... I can keep the handle instead of chucking it every three months. Bonus: It looks so nice in my bathroom!"
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
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