• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Dentist reveals important reason why you must replace your toothbrush every three months

Home> News> Health

Published 20:17 4 Apr 2025 GMT+1

Dentist reveals important reason why you must replace your toothbrush every three months

It makes sense when you think about it

Saskia Calliste

Saskia Calliste

If you were laying awake at night wondering just how often you should be changing your toothbrush, a good night's sleep might be on the horizon as an expert has weighed in on the question.

There are plenty of life's little details that we don't tend to as often as we should. Whether it's the frequency of which we change our bed sheets, the batteries in the smoke detector or the filter in our coffee makers, it wouldn't hurt if we all paid slightly more attention to things that keep us clean and healthy.

And one of those little details that I'm sure we're all guilty of ignoring is how often we change our toothbrushes - or our toothbrush heads if you're fancy and have an electric one.

Even though we brush our teeth every day, twice a day (if you're not you should be), it can be easy to forget that the key to good oral hygiene is as much about the toothbrush we use as it is the toothpaste that helps us achieve that white, winning smile.

Advert

Be honest, when was the last time you changed yours? (Daniel Day / Getty)
Be honest, when was the last time you changed yours? (Daniel Day / Getty)

So, to keep that smile as attractive and healthy as it can possibly be, dentistry expert Dr Joshua Perlman told the Daily Mail that we should all be swapping out our toothbrushes at least every three months.

Sounds pretty fair, if you ask me.

As much as the 'why' seems pretty self-explanatory, according to the expert, it's a little more complicated than it just being dirty.

Advert

As you can imagine, having to do something twice a day every day can be a tiring task, and it's the same for your toothbrush. The expert explains that your bristles can essentially become overworked after three months, and since its purpose is to clean the plaque, food and bacteria from your gnashers, they need to be on top form.

He said: "When toothbrush bristles are overused they can become weakened or frayed.

"When toothbrush bristles become frayed they lose their ability to clean teeth."

And if you're a bit of an aggressive brusher and you see the bristles of your toothbrush getting into a state before three months, go ahead and change it anyway, otherwise you could be on a one way train to cavities and gum disease - and no one wants that.

Advert

Time for a new toothbrush? (Daniel Day / Getty)
Time for a new toothbrush? (Daniel Day / Getty)

"This is because the bristles are less effective than new toothbrush bristles that stand straight up and down," Dr Perlman explained.

"Frayed bristles cannot clean into tight spaces between teeth therefore plaque and food debris is often left behind."

Adding that the longer you use your brush the more bacteria it accumulates, Dr Perlman revealed other instances where a change is needed - when your toothbrush starts to smell or change color, or when you get sick.

Advert

So, time for a new toothbrush, I think.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

Topics: Health, Community

Saskia Calliste
Saskia Calliste

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
4 hours ago
5 hours ago
  • 2 hours ago

    Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke reveals shocking reason she didn’t attend dad’s tributes

    Brooke Oleksy shut down previous reports that she and her late father were on bad terms

    Celebrity
  • 2 hours ago

    Expert reveals the 3 common names you should never give your baby for surprising reason

    All three are strong names that are popular today, but there's a reason why this expert doesn't think you should name your child them

    News
  • 4 hours ago

    James Gunn responds to Trisha Paytas naming baby ‘Aquaman’ following bizarre Ozzy Osbourne conspiracy

    DC Studios' co-CEO has reacted to the internet celeb having named her baby Aquaman - something she revealed on the day Ozzy Osbourne died

    Celebrity
  • 5 hours ago

    Fans spot Kelly Osbourne's 'subtle' tribute to dad Ozzy as she pays her respects during his procession

    The Osbourne family and the rest of the world are grieving the loss of a rock legend

    Celebrity
  • Doctor reveals disgusting health risk if you don't wash your water bottle every day
  • People are divided after dentist reveals the proper way to brush your teeth
  • Important reason you should restart your iPhone every single day
  • Important reason why flight attendants sit on their hands during takeoff and landing