When should you throw your toothbrush?

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asked Oct 26, 2024 in Dental by Cawsugger (760 points)
When should you throw your toothbrush?

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answered Nov 1, 2024 by NellieTapia (2,250 points)
You should throw out your toothbrush and get a new one every 3 months to 4 months depending on how worn down it gets.

Toothbrushes can become less effective as the toothbrush bristles wear down and they can also collect bacteria even when you wash them.

After 4 months you should throw the toothbrush out and get a new one so it's more effective and also due to the bacteria.

The longest you can and should keep a toothbrush is 4 months when it's used.

As for unused toothbrushes you can keep those for decades as unused toothbrushes never expire and as long as they are kept sealed they can remain good to use for years.

A toothbrush that is unused and not open does not expire.

However once you open the toothbrush and use the toothbrush it should be replaced every 3 months to 4 months of use.

Toothbrushes wear down on the bristles and the bristles of the toothbrush can become worn and frayed and make it less effective in cleaning your teeth.

Overtime toothbrushes can even collect and grow bacteria even when it looks clean.

Also if you've brushed your teeth when you've been sick with the cold, flu or other virus or illness you should replace the toothbrush as you could catch the illness again.

You can keep toothbrushes in their packaging for several years as spares and they never go bad.

However if they are out of their package the bristles may start to dry out and go bad and collect dust and bacteria.

You should also always rinse your toothbrush under some hot water after use to help remove bacteria that can gather on the toothbrush after brushing your teeth.

If you brush your teeth more aggressively then the toothbrush may wear down quicker and need replaced sooner.

But for the average person a toothbrush should last 3 to 4 months.

After 4 months you should replace the toothbrush even if it looks good.

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