Your Toothbrush Is Pretty Disgusting — Here's How Often You Should Replace It

Being healthy and being sanitary is Objective #1 for all of us right now, and this includes every aspect of our lives. And falling into that realm is dental care.

A lot of us have a toothbrush for a long time just because we get busy and simply forget to buy a new one. But you really should take this advice to heart that I’m about to tell you.

Think about it: if your toothbrush isn’t clean, what does that say about the overall cleanliness of your mouth?

NOT GOOD.

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According to the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. That also goes for an electric toothbrush head if that’s the tool that you prefer to clean your choppers.

A dentist named Keith Arbeitman says, “Once the bristles start to bend, you’re not really cleaning as effectively.”

Arbeitman added that you can also run your tongue along your teeth. If your teeth don’t feel as slick as they usually do, it’s probably time to go buy a new toothbrush.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

What’s the harm in not replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, you might ask yourself? Well, I’m here to tell you that those things get pretty disgusting.

In a communal bathroom, toothbrushes can become contaminated with fecal matter. Seriously.

If that fecal matter is from another person, you can become exposed to that person’s bacteria, virus, and parasites. Yes, it’s totally disgusting.

And those toothbrush covers? Not a great idea. They can keep the bristles on your brush wet, which allows bacteria to flourish. So stand your toothbrush up after use and let it dry out!