Here’s How Often You Should Replace Your Toothbrush

Some dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush after any time you’ve been sick. But you probably don’t need to do this if you’re generally healthy and you just had a regular cold, per the ADA. “[Some] people feel more comfortable switching their toothbrush out because it grosses them out,” Eagle says. “It’s a low-cost precaution to feel better, but most likely you’re not going to reinfect yourself with your toothbrush.” To be extra safe, Eagle and Weisbard recommend replacing your toothbrush after any serious illness, like COVID, or any infection in your mouth, like strep throat. 

Other signs it’s time to replace your toothbrush include an odor on the brush that lingers despite cleaning it or visible debris clogging the bristles, Eagle says. And you’ll probably want to toss it if it falls somewhere dirty, she adds.

Treating and storing your toothbrush properly can help ensure it lasts for those three to four months. Rinse it right after you brush to get rid of any remaining toothpaste or debris. Store it upright, making sure it’s not touching anyone else’s toothbrush, so it can dry out between uses, Cooper says. “Don’t routinely cover your toothbrushes or store them in closed, dark containers, because a moist environment, like a closed container, is more conducive to the growth of unwanted bacteria than in the open air,” she says. Don’t toss your toothbrush in a drawer, either, Weisbard says.