HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD A TOOTHBRUSH BE CHANGED
                     HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD 
A TOOTHBRUSH BE 
CHANGED
h tt p s : / / i n t e g r i t y d e n t a l . c o m . a u /
DO YOU REMEMBER THE LAST TIME YOU 
CHANGED YOUR TOOTHBRUSH?
Toothbrushes are one of the most important tools to prevent cavities and remove plaque. When 
tooth brushing techniques are done correct, they also help prevent bad breath and gum disease. 
Unfortunately, not changing toothbrushes frequently enough can have a negative effect on your oral 
health. Different toothbrushes are recommended for different people. Research has shown that 
toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months because they start to become worn out. 
Toothbrushes become worn out due to the accumulation of plaque and the bristles not being able to get 
in between teeth anymore, thus not cleaning your teeth properly. When you are brushing your teeth if it 
feels like the bristles need replacing then this is usually a sign that you should change your toothbrush. 
Integrity Dental can assist you in advising on tooth brushing techniques for your oral care.
CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH EVERY 
THREE MONTHS.
The best dental services in Australia including Integrity Dental recommend you changing 
your toothbrush at least every three months, this is for standard brushes and electric 
toothbrushes. It should not just be a time if you notice your bristles are looking worn earlier 
then you should go and change the brush before hand.
When the bristles are worn you are not cleaning your teeth as well as you used to, and this 
can compromise the health of your teeth and you may need fillings or tooth enamel repair 
should you get cavities or damage to the enamel on the teeth from poor brushing techniques. 
In addition to this you will be increasing the risk of cavities, plaque build up and needing 
tooth enamel repair. Applying too much pressure and scrubbing your teeth and gums rather 
than using the brushing techniques you have been shown increase the risk of damage.
CONSIDER BUYING A NEW TOOTHBRUSH 
AFTER GETTING SICK.
Consider doing your teeth a favour and buy a new toothbrush after you or a family member have 
been sick. Viruses like the common cold and more recently Covid-19 shed from the body and leave 
virus particles inside your mouth that get easily collected on your toothbrush when brushing. This is 
the reason any of the best dental experts in Australia along with the dentists at Integrity Dental 
recommend replacing your toothbrush to make sure your mouth remains clean and prevents others 
getting sick especially if you do not store your toothbrush in an individual holder or share a cup to 
rinse your mouth with.
Viruses and microorganisms love to hide and where better than the good old toothbrush. 
You don’t want the brushes to be damp in a holder all together and be touching, spreading 
germs and making the whole household ill. Also remember the toothpaste if you share a 
tube, this may need to be replaced if it has been cross contaminated and used by someone 
who is unwell. This too can spread germs as it touches an infected toothbrush then used on a 
clean one.
THE BEAT WAY TO KEEP YOUR 
TOOTHBRUSH CLEAN.
There is so much bacteria that lives inside your mouth, and we shouldn’t try to kill them as 
some are good bacteria that we need, but due to this we should never clean a toothbrush with 
chemicals like disinfectant to make sure we have washed all those pesky germs away, just good 
old fashioned water is best. Simply brush with toothpaste, rinse your mouth then rinse the 
brush in tap water, letting it air dry. Your toothbrush needs to dry off before you use it again as 
this helps to kill any bacteria naturally.
After following the toothbrushing techniques taught to you by Integrity Dental you should avoid 
placing your toothbrush in a vanity cupboard if you have a nice sunny bathroom. If you can, put it 
in a place where the sun reaches as this will also help to kill off any bacteria.
Before you use your toothbrush cover allow the brush to completely dry as the humidity that can 
build up in a cover will only make your toothbrush a breeding ground for mould and bacteria to 
grow as the container becomes moist.
To avoid slimy bacteria growing in the bottom of a toothbrush holder and spreading to your 
brush, Integrity Dental recommends you look for a suction cap holder that you can place on 
your wall to store your toothbrush. This holder allows the whole brush, including the handle 
to completely dry off. This is the most ideal situation to try and completely avoid the mess 
that gathers in the bottom of a cup that is often shared with more than one toothbrush at a 
time.
Remember: Most of the bacteria we can never see without a microscope, so the very last 
important tip, if you have a bathroom that has your toilet in it as well is to keep your 
toothbrush far, far away, no less than a metre is suggested from your toilet.
     
  
Integrity Dental
Angelica Astrom
(02) 9651 4488
[email protected]
https://integritydental.com.au/