You’re Probably Keeping Your Toothbrush Too Long, According to Dentists

Your morning and nightly brushing routine might not be as effective as you think. The culprit could be sitting right there in your toothbrush holder.

It's something most people rarely think about, but according to dentists, holding on to a toothbrush for years isn't exactly best practice. Letting an old brush linger can be detrimental to your pearly whites, rendering your efforts to keep them healthy and strong moot.

A toothbrush that's been used day in and day out for months on end eventually becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. On top of that, daily wear and tear takes its toll, making the brush less effective at clearing away plaque over time.

Most people give their toothbrush a quick rinse after brushing, and some even rub the bristles to clear away leftover toothpaste. Unfortunately, a simple rinse isn't enough to get rid of the germs that can hide in those bristles.

"Your mouth is full of bacteria. Some are good, some are bad. And those bacteria can cling to our toothbrushes," Sonoko Nakasato, MD, says. "You need to replace it often so you're not growing a community of bacteria on your toothbrush."

That's also why experts recommend swapping out your toothbrush after battling illnesses like the flu or strep throat. Some germs are incredibly resilient and can survive on a toothbrush long after the illness has passed.

This raises your risk of being reinfected by the viruses and bacteria that have been lingering on the bristles. An aging toothbrush is also less effective, since worn bristles can't clean as thoroughly as newer ones.

Over time, the bristles bend, and once they're no longer standing at attention, they can't effectively scoop away plaque or remove bacteria from your teeth. That leaves you more vulnerable to issues like cavities and gingivitis.

Damaged bristles can also hurt your teeth and gums.

"Bristles that are frayed can mean doing more abrasive movements," Dr. Nakasato warns. "So, you can start to brush away your enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. You can even start to brush away bits of your gums, which can lead to gum recession, where your gums pull away from your teeth."

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, max. "I usually recommend my patients change them a little bit sooner than that, around the two-month mark," says Dr. Richard Lipari, a dentist in Chappaqua, New York.

However, there are other situations in which you'll want to swap it out before that three-month timer runs out, whether it's a traditional toothbrush or an electric head.

Toss your toothbrush if it looks damaged or splayed, after a bout of illness, or whenever it's clearly been put through its paces (such as if it's come into contact with something unsanitary, been knocked around while traveling or gone unused for a long time).

If your toothbrush tends to wear out before the three-month mark, a few simple habits can help extend its life:

• Keep it upright and let it air-dry.
• Avoid storing it in a closed container.
• Rinse it well after each use.
• Keep it for your use only.
• Use gentle pressure when brushing.

And if keeping track of replacement dates is tricky, a simple reminder on your calendar or phone can help. In the meantime, find out why doctors say flossing goes beyond just your teeth.