Replace your toothbrush, or your electric toothbrush head, every three to four months. Swap it sooner if the bristles are frayed, flattened, or splaying out past the edge of the head, even if it's only been six weeks. That's the American Dental Association's guidance, and the bristles matter more than the date.
Worn bristles bend over instead of reaching along the gumline and between teeth, which is where plaque builds up. You keep brushing for two minutes, but less of it is doing anything.
When to replace your toothbrush#
| Situation |
What to do |
| 3 to 4 months of normal use |
Replace it |
| Bristles splayed, bent, or matted |
Replace it now, however old it is |
| Indicator bristles have faded |
Replace it (the color is there for exactly this) |
| Head cracked, or loose on an electric handle |
Replace it |
| Dropped in the toilet, or splashed with cleaning product |
Replace it |
| Someone else used it |
Replace it |
| You had a cold or the flu |
Not necessary for most people; see below |
How to tell a toothbrush is worn out#
Hold it at eye level and look along the head from the side. A new brush has straight, even bristles that line up with the edge of the head. A worn one has bristles fanning out past the sides, leaning one way, or clumping together. Run your thumb across them: worn bristles feel soft and floppy, not springy.
If yours splays within a month, you're probably pressing too hard. That's worth fixing, since scrubbing doesn't clean better and can wear down gums over time. Hold the brush with your fingertips, not a fist, and let the bristles do the work. A powered brush with a pressure sensor helps if you can't break the habit.
How often to replace an electric toothbrush head#
The same three-month rule applies. Philips, for example, says to replace Sonicare heads every three months of normal use, or when the blue indicator bristles fade, because a worn head is less effective at removing plaque. Many newer handles track this for you and flash a reminder.
Electric heads cost more, which tempts people to stretch them. Buying multipacks or a subscription brings the cost down, and keeping a spare in the drawer means you're not using a dead head for two weeks while a new one ships.
Should you replace your toothbrush after being sick?#
Usually, no. The ADA says toothbrushes can carry bacteria, but there's no evidence those bacteria cause health problems. For an ordinary cold or flu, there's no need to throw out the brush early. Just let it dry properly and don't let it touch anyone else's.
People with a weakened immune system, for example during chemotherapy or after a transplant, may get different advice from their care team. If that's you, ask.
How to store your toothbrush#
The ADA recommends storing your brush upright so it can air dry. According to the ADA, keeping a damp brush in a closed container encourages more microbial growth than leaving it in the open air.
- Rinse off all the toothpaste, including at the base of the bristles.
- Tap it against the sink to shake off the water.
- Stand it head-up in a holder.
- Keep it apart from other people's brushes so the heads don't touch.
- Keep it as far from the toilet as the bathroom allows, and close the lid before flushing.
Travel caps are fine for the journey, but take the cap off as soon as you arrive so the head can dry. A brush that's been sealed wet in a cap for a week is the one you want to replace.
Don't forget the holder. The bottom of a toothbrush cup collects a film of water, toothpaste, and gunk that's easy to miss. Wash it in hot soapy water weekly, or run it through the dishwasher if it's dishwasher-safe, and add it to your bathroom deep clean.
Can you sanitize a toothbrush?#
You don't need to. The ADA says there's little data on toothbrush sanitizing and recommends against the dishwasher or microwave, because the heat can damage the brush. Boiling water is hot enough to do the same.
If you want to do something, the ADA notes one study where soaking a brush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or Listerine mouthwash cut the bacteria on it by about 85 percent. If you buy a UV sanitizer, look for one cleared by the FDA. None of this fixes worn bristles, so it doesn't change when you replace the brush.
Choosing your next toothbrush#
Get soft bristles. The ADA recommends them because they're the least likely to wear down your gums. Pick a head small enough to reach behind your back molars comfortably. The ADA Seal of Acceptance means the brush has been tested for safety and effectiveness.
Manual or electric is up to you. The ADA says both remove plaque well. A powered brush can be easier for people with arthritis or limited hand movement, children, and people with braces.
Kids need a small, soft children's brush and help from an adult until they can brush well and spit out the toothpaste on their own. Children tend to chew their brushes, so check theirs more often.
Make replacement automatic#
The simplest system is to buy brushes in multipacks and replace everyone's on the same day. Set a recurring ChoreLists.com reminder every three months, and if you notice splayed bristles before that, swap the brush and push the reminder forward. While you're stocking up, it's a good moment to check your razor blades as well.
A new brush doesn't replace a professional cleaning. See our guide on how often to see the dentist for the right checkup interval.