When to get a new toothbrush

When to get a new toothbrush 

 

The filthy truth? Your toothbrush is a breeding ground for germs. 

But fear not, experts say just know when it’s time to give yours the old heave-ho. 

Do you know how much bacteria live on your toothbrush? Brace yourself! Researchers have found that a single toothbrush can be loaded with as many as 10 million germs and bacteria. In fact, recent studies even found that your toothbrush could be a breeding ground for tiny microorganisms. 

But before you swear off brushing, know this — these bacteria aren’t a big threat to your pearly whites. According to Richard Price, DMD, a dentist in Newton, Massachusetts, and a consumer adviser for the American Dental Association, the researchers who discovered those toothbrush-dwelling microorganisms found that they didn’t make people sick. Toothpaste has an anti-germ component built into it, and the microbes need moisture to survive. So as long as your toothbrush is given time to dry after you use it, it should be safe. 

To take care of your teeth and your toothbrush, it’s important to use your toothbrush the way you’re supposed to — rinse it in tap water, and then let it air dry, Price says. 

This starts with storing your toothbrush in an upright position. Most people don’t need to worry about storing it away from other toothbrushes — germs are airborne, but they don’t hopscotch from one brush to another. However, if someone in the household has an immune deficiency, you can’t be too careful, Price says. 

If you’re really fastidious about dental care, you can soak your toothbrush in alcohol to kill the germs, Price adds. Mouthwash is also an antiseptic, so it works as a "toothbrush soak" too, as does a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Another option is to dip it in boiling water for about five to 10 seconds. 

Interestingly enough, toothbrush sanitizers haven’t been shown to have much effect. And you should never put your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave — you’ll just end up damaging it. 

TIME FOR A NEW TOOTHBRUSH? 

The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric type) about every three months — because of the wear on the bristles more than the germs. 

And that depends on the brusher and not the brush, Price emphasizes. If you have a heavy hand, the bristles might wear out sooner. Remember that the key determinant is not the calendar, but the shape the bristles are in. 

"You need to replace your toothbrush when the bristles spew in different directions," Price says. 

Check your children’s toothbrushes regularly because they probably will need to be replaced more frequently. 

Should you replace your toothbrush after an illness, like a cold? No, says Price. Just be sure it dries out between uses so that germs can’t survive. 

EASY-TO-REMEMBER REMINDERS 

Some toothbrushes have bristles that change color to indicate they’ve worn out (a glaring reminder it’s time to buy a new brush). 

You can also develop the habit of changing your toothbrush with every check-up (provided you see your dentist every six months) and then again midway before the next appointment. Or, try timing the change to the first day of every season. And remember, to every toothbrush, there is a season.