More often than not, we all use our toothbrush in the morning and evening, and sometimes after snacking and place it back on our bathroom counter without giving it a second thought. However, have you ever considered all the germs and bacteria that can linger on your brush head and deep in the bristles? If you want to truly keep your mouths clean, it’s essential to replace your toothbrush regularly.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
When the Bristles are Frayed
When you first remove the packaging for your toothbrush or brush head, you’ll notice that the bristles are neatly aligned and straight. As time goes on and you continue to use the brush, the bristles will become frayed and stick out in all different directions — this typically happens after three or four months.
In order to have a well-functioning toothbrush, you should replace it at this time when it no longer looks like it’s in good shape.
If You’ve Been Sick
Whether you have a common cold or you’ve been getting sick from a stomach bug, you’re going to want to replace your toothbrush or brush your head after you’ve been ill. Since your toothbrush doesn’t kill bacteria — rather, it knocks it off your teeth to be removed from your mouth when you rinse — it may hold onto germs long after you start feeling better.
If you continue to use the same brush or brush head that you use when you were sick, you can make yourself ill again since bacteria may still be on the brush.
Cleaning Your Toothbrush
To protect yourself from germs regularly, you should wash your toothbrush once a week with warm water and soap to rid it of any bacteria that may be clinging to it.