03/06/2026
1. The bristles are frayed, worn, or bent. Over time, wear and tear on your brush causes the bristles to become frayed and bent. Frayed bristles are less effective at removing plaque and cleaning your teeth. They may also have sharp, jagged edges that irritate your gums.
2. You’ve recovered from an illness or infection. The common cold, flu, strep throat, or other sickness or infection can spread viruses and bacteria to your toothbrush. Continuing to use your old toothbrush after you recover increases the risk of reinfection.
3. Debris builds up at the bottom of the bristles. Debris that you can’t remove is a sign that your toothbrush has been in use too long. Along with debris, germs and bacteria can build up on your brush over time, so replace it regularly for good oral health.
4. Someone else has used it. You shouldn’t share your toothbrush with anyone else, because everyone’s mouth contains a different microbiome of bacteria. You may swap germs or bacteria that can cause you to become sick.
