Here's how often you should change your toothbrush—and what can happen if you don't, according to a dentist at UCLA (2024)

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Here's how often you should change your toothbrush—and what can happen if you don't, according to a dentist at UCLA? ›

In addition, the gums could risk injury, possibly leading to gum disease. It seems that there is no question that you should change your toothbrush. However, if you're wondering exactly how often should you change your toothbrush, here's the answer. Change it every 3 to 4 months on average.

“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

It affects its ability to remove food particles and bacteria effectively. These can lead to tooth decay, cavities, bad breath, and gum diseases. Dentists recommend we replace toothbrush every 3 to 4 months will minimize the risks of these dental conditions.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It's around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor. While we might not like to think about it, germs build up on our toothbrushes over time.

You should replace your toothbrush at least every three months, according to Kelman. But for some, especially people who brush their teeth a bit aggressively, you'll need a new one even sooner, she adds. "When in doubt, you need to look at the bristles," says Kelman.

When we don't brush our teeth, bacteria and plaque can build up in our mouths, which can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. If these issues are left untreated, they can lead to more severe health problems like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

"A visibly worn brush is less effective at removing plaque, especially below the gum line," Dr. Iafolla says. Lingering plaque opens the door to a number of oral health complications, including decay, gingivitis and eventually gum disease. The older your brush, the more germs it harbors.

Well, it turns out that your dentist not only knows if you brush your teeth, but they also know a lot more about you, even if you don't tell them. Every time you visit your dentist in Columbiana, there are a few key things we're looking for — cavities, gum disease, and oral cancer, among other things.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time you brush. This recommendation is from the American Dental Association. When you brush, you help take food and plaque off your teeth. Plaque is a sticky white film that forms on teeth.

No, brushing three times a day is not excessive. While twice a day is the minimum recommendation from the American Dental Association, brushing teeth after every meal is ideal for optimal oral health. The reason being that bacteria and food particles can accumulate on our teeth within minutes of eating or drinking.

What happens if you don't brush for 3 months? ›

After even longer without brushing or flossing your teeth, tooth decay can advance into the inner layers of your teeth, causing more enamel to be broken down and exposing the soft parts (the dentin). The tooth pulp can also become exposed, which can lead to a higher risk for tooth pain and sensitivity.

To prevent plaque build-up and gum disease, you need to floss daily, at least once a day. If you were rushing to brush your teeth after an earlier meal, flossing during your next brush allows you to remove the hard-to-reach plaque, bacteria and food particles.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should replace a manual toothbrush every three to four months. If you use your brush for much longer than that, the bristles will start to become frayed and worn, and they won't be as effective at clearing away plaque.

Toothbrushes and brush heads get frayed bristles from overuse. When you see that this is true for your brush, it means that it's no longer effectively cleaning your teeth and you need a new one.

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes each time you brush. This recommendation is from the American Dental Association. When you brush, you help take food and plaque off your teeth. Plaque is a sticky white film that forms on teeth.

However, the lifespan of a brush depends on its quality, texture, and type of your hair and the products and hair treatments in use. High-quality brushes may last for 12 months, while low-quality brushes serve you for less than three months. Regular cleaning plays a role in determining how long your brush will last.

Whether you're using a manual or electric toothbrush, you need to thoroughly rinse the brush head with tap water after every use. This removes most of the food particles, plaque, and bacteria. To remove even the few germs or debris that might remain after rinsing, disinfect your toothbrush at least once a week.