How am I Supposed to Know When to Replace my Toothbrush?

On Average, people use the same toothbrush up to nine months. Signs which tell you it’s time to replace your toothbrush are obvious. Next time you go to bathroom to brush your teeth, take your toothbrush and ask yourself these questions:
• Are the bristles straight?
• Is there any debris at the bottom of bristles?
If the bristles on your toothbrush are not straight anymore, and if you notice debris at the very bottom of the toothbrush, it is definitely time to get a new one.

How often should I Purchase a New Toothbrush?

According to the American Dental Association you should purchase a new toothbrush, or replace a toothbrush head in case you have electronic type, about every three months. At that point, the bristles become too soft and are unable to do their job adequately.
However, the frequency of purchasing new toothbrush depends more on the person who uses it, than on toothbrush itself. If you have a heavy hand, your brushing technique is stronger and the bristles will wear out sooner. Nowadays, there are some toothbrushes whose bristles change colors when it’s time to purchase a new one.
It is also advised to change the toothbrush after the flu.

To Disinfect the Toothbrush or not?

Some people heat their toothbrush hoping it will eliminate all germs. However, that isn’t completely true. Boiling water, microwave and dishwasher can destroy the bristles. According to experts, the most important thing of maintaining your toothbrush is to carefully rinse it off after every use. After you rinsed the toothbrush, you should let it air dry. Also, do not waste your money on products that promise disinfection of toothbrush and elimination of bacteria and other microorganisms. According to the American Dental Association, there is no toothbrush-cleaning product which is able to fully sterilize the toothbrush.