How often should I change my toothbrush?

Question

Hello doctor,

How can I take care of toothbrush health? How often to change toothbrush heads or disposable toothbrushes and the negative effects of not changing them often?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Dentists recommend a change of toothbrush every six months. But this toothbrush health depends on patient's brushing habits too. Like if a person does not follow proper brushing techniques and brush his teeth vigorously, or maybe he is suffering from any gum disease and he is brushing more often then he must change his toothbrush more often like at every 2 or 3 months.

Usually, by six months the bristles of toothbrush start weakening, are not performing their function well, some bacterial flora may start growing at bottom of bristles or at back side of toothbrush head where tongue cleaner is given. If such yellow or brown stains start appearing at some surfaces of toothbrush then toothbrush needs to be changed immediately.

At toothbrush replacement, Miswak is the best recommendation. It is like a small bamboo stick and you can easily cut off its bristles after brushing every 2 or 3 days later and it leaches out antibacterial ingredients and has many good affects for your health too. Like it is a cure for all gum diseases.