Here's How Often You Should Change Your Toothbrush, According to a Dentist

When it comes to your toothbrush, there’s a good chance you've thought hard about whether you want an electric or a manual one. Once it’s purchased though, you may not think too much about it, including how often you should change it. But you absolutely should.

We spoke to Joyce Kahng, DDS, a cosmetic and restorative dentist and owner of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio, to learn when we should swap out our toothbrushes and why it’s so important. 

When Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

If you want to keep your mouth healthy, it’s essential to change that toothbrush regularly. “You should change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months due to bacterial buildup,” says Dr. Kahng.  This is in line with the American Dental Association's recommendation.

What Are Some Signs You Need to Change Your Toothbrush?

One major sign you need to change your toothbrush is when the bristles are beginning to fray, says Kahng. However, there are also less visible signs to look out for. “You will want to change it even sooner if you have been sick,” explains Dr. Kahng, to help with germs. 

How to Make Your Toothbrush Last Longer

“One tip for making a toothbrush last longer is to use the appropriate amount of pressure when brushing,” says Dr. Kahng. Try not to press too hard when brushing to help the bristles maintain their shape (and be gentle on your teeth).

Dr. Kahng also says that you can clean your toothbrush to help its longevity. “Many people don't know this, but you can actually clean your toothbrush with dish soap." By doing this, you can “help remove bacterial deposits” from the brush, and therefore, it can last a bit longer. However, Kahng still recommends changing the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, no matter how often you clean it.

What is the Best Toothbrush to Use?

“My favorite manual toothbrush is the Cocobrush from Cocofloss,” says Dr. Kahng. “It has really soft and wispy bristles that effectively clean but are super gentle on the enamel.”

As for electric toothbrushes, Dr. Kahng says, "You can’t go wrong with Sonicare and Oral-B, but there is something to keep in mind when searching for the right one: I'd advise getting one that has a pressure sensor on it." Her reason? "This will alert you if you are brushing too hard.”