How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

9 June 2025

How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush?

Your toothbrush is one of the most essential tools in your daily routine—but how often do you really think about replacing it?
Many people continue using the same toothbrush far longer than they should, not realising that an old brush can do more harm than good.

Replacing your toothbrush regularly is a small habit that can make a big difference to your oral health.

So, how often should you replace your toothbrush?

The general rule of thumb is every 3 months. This recommendation comes from dental experts, including the British Dental Association and the NHS. After about three months of daily use, toothbrush bristles begin to fray and lose their effectiveness—meaning they won’t clean your teeth and gums as thoroughly as they should.

Signs it’s time to replace your toothbrush

While the three-month guideline is a good starting point, there are a few other signs that your toothbrush may need replacing sooner:

• The bristles are frayed, bent, or worn.
• Your brush looks discoloured or has a lingering odour.
• You’ve recently had a cold, flu, or any oral infection.
• You’ve dropped it or stored it somewhere unhygienic.

Frayed bristles can’t effectively reach into the small crevices between teeth or along the gumline. And a toothbrush that’s stored improperly (like in a closed container without airflow) can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Why replacing your toothbrush matters?

Neglecting to replace your toothbrush can lead to:

• Plaque build-up: Ineffective cleaning allows plaque and tartar to develop.
• Gum irritation: Worn-out bristles can irritate your gums instead of cleaning them.
• Bad breath: Poor cleaning leads to lingering food particles and bacteria.
• Increased risk of oral infections: Especially if you’ve been ill recently.

Your toothbrush is your first line of defence against gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Keeping it in top condition is essential for effective oral care.

Manual vs. electric toothbrushes: is there a difference ?

The replacement guidelines apply to both manual and electric toothbrushes. However, with electric toothbrushes, you only need to replace the brush head every three months.

Some modern electric models even come with indicator bristles that fade in colour when it’s time for a change, which can be a helpful visual reminder.

Toothbrush care tips between replacements

To keep your toothbrush hygienic and effective for as long as possible:

• Rinse thoroughly after each use to remove toothpaste and debris.
• Store it upright and allow it to air dry—don’t cover it or keep it in a closed container.
• Don’t share your toothbrush, even with family members.
• Replace it immediately if you’ve been ill or if the bristles look worn.

How often should children’s toothbrushes be replaced?

Children’s toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently than adult ones—sometimes every 2 months. Kids tend to brush with more force and chew on the bristles, which wears them out faster.
Make it a habit to check your child’s brush regularly and replace it as soon as it starts to show signs of wear.

Set a reminder—and make it part of your dental routine

To stay consistent, consider setting a reminder on your phone or replacing your toothbrush at the start of each season—every 3 months is easy to remember when it lines up with the calendar.
You can also stock up on a few spare brushes so you always have a fresh one ready to go.

When in doubt—ask your dentist

If you’re unsure about your toothbrush or whether it’s doing the job properly, bring it up at your next check-up. Your local dentist or hygienist can advise you on the right toothbrush for your needs and check your brushing technique.

Key Takeaway

Replace your toothbrush every 3 months—or sooner if it shows signs of wear. A clean, properly functioning toothbrush is a simple but powerful tool for protecting your teeth and gums every day.