Should you replace your toothbrush every 6 months?

Manufacturers and dentists recommend that you should change your toothbrush every 12 – 16 weeks to maintain a consistent level of oral hygiene. Replacing it beyond 16 weeks can negatively affect your oral health and leave your mouth open to bacteria and infection.

Why do toothbrushes need to be replaced?

Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against the bacteria that cause gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) also advise to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months , or whenever it appears to be getting worn out.

What happens if you use an old toothbrush?

If you’re using an old toothbrush, you’re putting all those nasty germs back in your mouth over and over again. The bristles stop working. Your toothbrush works because the bristles scrape the teeth clean. However, over time, the bristles lose their rigidity and become less effective at removing plaque.

Can you get sick from an old toothbrush?

Could Your Toothbrush Be Making You Sick? Probably not. Regardless of how many bacteria live in your mouth, or have gotten in there via your toothbrush, your body’s natural defenses make it highly unlikely that you’re going to catch an infection simply from brushing your teeth.

How many months should you change your toothbrush?

“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

Do you really need to replace toothbrush every 3 months?

Research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that is worn out. As the bristles become worn they become more prone to bacterial or fungal growth. Using a toothbrush more than three months might give you dental problems, halitosis or bad breath.

Why should I replace my toothbrush every 3 months?

What happens if you don’t change your toothbrush every 3 months?

Worn Out Bristles. Another reason you should change your toothbrush every three months is that over time, your toothbrush bristles will become worn out. Worn-out bristles tend to be more abrasive on your gums, which can lead to premature gum recession and inflammation in your gums.

Should you throw away your toothbrush after Covid?

Disinfect: COVID-19 can live for a while on plastic surfaces, so it doesn’t hurt to regularly disinfect the handle of your toothbrush. Replacing Your Toothbrush: You should always be swapping out your toothbrush or brush head every three months.

How long do toothbrushes last?

three to four months
“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

How long do Oral B toothbrushes last?

Many dental professionals recommend changing your toothbrush about every three months, and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you replace your toothbrush approximately every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.