How often should I change my toothbrush? A dentist weighs

When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? For many, the answer is “a long time ago.”

“The average person should replace a new toothbrush every three to four months,” told CBS News Dr. Kevin Sands, a dentist based in Beverly Hills. “This ensures that the bristles are still effective and the accumulation of bacteria on the toothbrush is minimal.”

The American Dental Association says you should change your toothbrush more often if the bristles are visibly stained or frayed.

with virus season for us, it’s a good reminder to consider any recent illnesses – it speeds up when you need to do an exchange.

“Once you’ve recovered from the illness, it’s best to start over with a new toothbrush that’s clean and fresh, just to be safe,” says Sands. “It’s an easy fix for residual bacteria.”

(The ADA notes that while toothbrushes have been shown to harbor bacteria, “there is no evidence that these bacteria cause harmful health effects.”)

Toothbrush hygiene tips

So how do you keep your toothbrush in top condition until it’s time to replace it? Sands and the ADA suggest giving it a rinse after each use.

“For most people, using hot running water to rinse the toothbrush is usually enough to keep it clean on a daily basis,” says Sands. “The hot water will help soften the bristles and loosen the toothpaste and food particles.”

Proper storage practice is also essential. “Bacteria can easily grow on toothbrushes, so it’s important to store them in a clean, dry place,” says Sands.

This means no toothbrush caps or covers, which can trap germs on your bristles.

“Germs love to grow in moist, dark places, and that’s the toothbrush when you cover it,” said California dentist Dr. Kami Hoss. CBS News Sacramento earlier this year.

A protective pouch in your suitcase or toiletry bag is a good way to keep your toothbrush clean while traveling, Sands adds, but remember to take it out of the case and let it air dry between uses.

If you share a bathroom with someone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also suggests avoiding contact between brushes to prevent the spread of bacteria.

“If more than one brush is stored in the same holder, do not let them touch each other,” advises the CDC.