Dentist Explains Why You Really Need To Replace Your Toothbrush Every Three Months

If you've ever found yourself lying in bed wondering how often you're actually supposed to change your toothbrush, then you’re not alone. And good news - a dental expert has finally given us a clear answer.

There are so many small things in life we tend to overlook or put off longer than we should. Whether it’s changing out the filter in our coffee machines, replacing batteries in the smoke alarm, or washing our bed sheets a bit more often, staying on top of those little hygiene routines really does matter.

And let’s be honest, swapping out your toothbrush is probably one of those tasks that tends to slip under the radar. Unless you’re super on top of it, chances are your toothbrush (or toothbrush head, if you’re using an electric one) is sticking around longer than it should.

Even though brushing your teeth twice a day is part of the daily routine for most of us (or at least, it should be), we don’t always think about the condition of the tool we’re using to do it.

According to dental expert Dr. Joshua Perlman, keeping your smile looking and feeling its best isn’t just about the toothpaste you use. The condition of your toothbrush is just as important. He shared with the Daily Mail that you should be switching it out every three months - no excuses.

Honestly, that doesn’t sound unreasonable at all. If anything, it sounds like a smart move.

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

Sure, the reason might seem obvious - it gets dirty, right? But Dr. Perlman says there’s more going on here than just old toothpaste and germs.

Your toothbrush goes through a lot. When you're brushing twice a day, every day, the bristles naturally start to wear out. After a few months, they’re just not doing the job like they used to. That’s a problem because their whole purpose is to scrub away the plaque, leftover food, and bacteria from your teeth. And they need to be in top shape to do that well.

He explained it this way: "When toothbrush bristles are overused they can become weakened or frayed."

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

If you’re someone who tends to brush a bit too hard and your toothbrush looks worn out before the three-month mark, then don’t wait - just replace it early. Worn-out bristles can lead to more than just bad cleaning. They can actually increase your risk of cavities and gum issues, which no one wants to deal with.

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

Time for a new toothbrush? Daniel Day / Getty

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

Dr. Perlman also pointed out that the longer you hang on to your toothbrush, the more bacteria it builds up. So if it starts smelling funky, changes color, or if you’ve just been sick, that’s another clear sign it’s time to toss it and grab a new one.

So yeah, if it's been a while - go ahead and treat yourself to a new toothbrush. Your mouth will thank you.