QOTD 40: How often should you change your toothbrush?

It is important to change your toothbrush regularly because it loses its cleaning effectiveness if the bristles become frayed and worn. As a general rule of thumb, how often should you change your toothbrush?

Choose from one of the following

Every 1 month

Every 3 months

Every 6 months

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Created by KW

Participant's Submissions

Answer: 3 months

EXPLANATION

It is important to change your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles have frayed. This is important to ensure that^{1, 2}:

• it provides you with optimum cleaning effectiveness
• it does not damage your gums
• you prevent bacteria from building up in the bristles, affecting your oral health and general wellbeing

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Adult Health: Think you know everything about proper brushing and flossing techniques? Understand the basics and what you can do to promote oral health [Internet]. Mayo Clinic [updated 2016 May 3; cited 2018 Jan 18]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/dental/art-20045536?p=1
2. American Dental Association. Oral Health Topics: Toothbrushes [Internet]. American Dental Association [updated 2017 Sep 8; cited 2018 Jan 18]. Available from: http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes