How Long Does a Toothbrush Last and When Should You Replace It?

Nothing is meant to last forever, and your toothbrush is no exception here. However, it can be hard to figure out when your toothbrush is nearing the end of its lifespan. If you go by the manufacturer’s and dentist’s recommendations, a toothbrush lasts only 12 to 16 weeks. If you use a soft-bristled toothbrush, you might need to replace it before 12 weeks.

While you may think that you can continue using your toothbrush for a couple of more months, it’s essential to know that using such an overused brush leads to dental health issues.

When Should You Change the Toothbrush?

A toothbrush is the first line of defence against the spread of bacteria causing gum disease and tooth decay.

Straight bristles and a clean and easy-to-grip handle are best to navigate the smaller spaces in your mouth. A soft bristle brush will effectively remove old food and bacteria that can collect around the bases of your teeth.

Dentists usually recommend brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Moreover, brushing your teeth after each meal or a sugary snack is essential to keep cavities away. With this regular brushing regime, your toothbrush bristles start to weaken in form, fall out or get twisted within 12 weeks.

The Australian Dental Association recommends switching the toothbrush every three months or when it starts showing signs of wear and tear. Once the toothbrush bristles lose their stiffness, you need to replace them as soon as possible. If you keep brushing with worn-out bristles, the toothbrush loses its efficiency and can cause more damage to your teeth.

Risk Factors For Using A Worn-Out or Mangled Toothbrush

Whenever you use your toothbrush, the nylon bristles get exposed to the moisture and chemicals from the toothpaste. Over the years, this makes the bristles weaker, causing them to bend or get twisted. A study showed that using a toothbrush continuously for 40 days shows bristle flaring and makes it less effective. Moreover, the participants who didn’t switch their toothbrushes after 40 days experienced significant plaque buildup.

Other studies show that old toothbrushes don’t remove the plaque, further aggravating the risk of gum diseases and tooth decay.

Contact us today if you have any questions about replacing your toothbrush.