{"id":165,"date":"2020-09-29T22:41:00","date_gmt":"2020-09-29T22:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.peeryfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/?p=165"},"modified":"2020-10-15T22:41:45","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T22:41:45","slug":"change-your-toothbrush","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.peeryfamilydentistry.com\/blog\/change-your-toothbrush\/","title":{"rendered":"How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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One of the most important steps you can take regarding your oral health is brushing at least twice a day, but an old toothbrush won\u2019t do you much good. Many people don\u2019t know when the best time is to change their toothbrush and use the same one for far too long. Unfortunately, they don\u2019t last forever and need to be replaced so you can maintain optimal oral health. Continue reading to learn more about this essential dental tool and how often you should switch it out for a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Often Should You Change Your Manual Toothbrush?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should get a new manual toothbrush at least every 3-4 months according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). After you have a toothbrush for this long, the bristles will begin to lose their stiffness and become much less effective at their job. Ultimately, your teeth won\u2019t be as clean. With additional plaque, food debris, and bacteria left behind, you are more likely to develop bad breath, tooth decay, and even gum disease. It is also a good idea to switch out your toothbrush if a household member is sick, especially if they have a viral or bacterial infection, such as strep throat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Change Your Electric Toothbrush?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For electric toothbrushes, the head needs to be replaced approximately every 12 weeks. The difference between the bristles on an electric toothbrush is that they tend to be shorter. This means that they become worn and less effective in even less time than a manual toothbrush. You may need to replace it even sooner than that. The best thing to do is keep a close eye on the bristles so you can determine when it is time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can You Do to Increase the Life of Your Toothbrush?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are steps that you can take in order to get the most out of your toothbrush. Here are some helpful ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n