When to Replace Your Toothbrush

Frayed bristles clean less and can irritate the gums. Three months is a good rule, and sooner after an illness.

A toothbrush does its best work while the bristles are still straight. Once they splay outward, they skim over the gumline instead of sweeping plaque away. That is usually around three months of twice-a-day brushing, and sooner if you press hard.

Replace the brush after a cold, strep throat, or any time the bristles look flattened. Electric brush heads follow the same schedule. A soft brush is the right texture for enamel and gums. Medium and hard bristles do not clean better. They wear the tooth near the gum and contribute to sensitivity.

If your brushes wear out in a few weeks, you may be scrubbing. Bring the worn brush to your cleaning and we can show you a lighter stroke that still gets the gumline clean.