How often do you change your toothbrush?

A soft bristled toothbrush for a person brushing twice daily should work for 3-4 months. (I don't recommend a medium bristled and hard is complete no-no)
If you are changing sooner than that because the bristles have frayed, then you are brushing way too hard.

by Smita

I didn't know that, thanks :)

After using an entire standard tube of toothpaste.

by Justine Crowley

? seriously

I check the bristles and look for signs of wear and tear. Around every 3 months is the norm for me but it can be more or less dependant on how the brush has performed.

by helenonthesofa

I do change mine were 3 months, but sometimes it looks fine and I wonder why I'm bothering. Surely disinfecting would be better.

by Sarah Bell

I normally use my toothbrush for about 2 months before I chuck it for a new one, although if the bristles go too soft for my comfort, then I chuck it sooner - that's a sign of the brush not working as efficiently anymore if I remember reading this bit of information correctly :-)

by Xarah

My dentist said you're supposed to change plastic toothbrushes quarterly/at the start of each season. It's not just a marketing thing. The bristles get worn out and a lot of bacteria builds up on the brush over time. We use compostible bamboo ones so we change them every month because they don't last as long.

by Jennifer Muirhead

More like 4 months..

by Amelia

I'm a bit of a freak when it comes to changing mine and my families tooth brushes. I would say I easily change them once a month. I'm a big tooth brusher too, brushing my teeth quite a few times though out the day. And when I think of all the things we eat I think that we need something fresh after all that cleaning every day. It's kind of similar to the dish scourer and cloth wipes. I change them regularly too. I think I watched a segment on germs etc one day which made me a bit paranoid. So, I don't bother buying expensive tooth brushes, and always have a new packet of them handy.

by Lu Lu Belle

I change the brush in evey 2-3 months

by Radhika

I use a Philips sonic tooth brush. Which I love and i change the head every 6 months as recommended

by butterfly lady

I use the Oral B electric and I change it when the colour goes off the brush head which is probably every 3-4 months. This is as indicated on the pack.

by Finy

Soon as it becomes a 'Shaggy' toothbrush!
Have never actually 'timed' it!

by donjo

Probably every couple of months, or when ever it needs changing.

by Lluxi

I use white-glo toothpaste and it comes with a free toothbrush, which I replace when I go onto the next pack, usually after about three months.

by norma

I use a soft brush and change it at the change of seasons. So every 3 months. If I have been unwell, or have a mouth ulcer, I change my toothbrush to avoid infection.
My toothbrush is protected from bacteria by being kept in a cabinet away from accidental splashes, being able to dry between uses and having the occassional sun bath.
I would love to stop using plastic toothbrushes, so will try to find the bamboo type Jennifer Muirhead mentioned.

by annfi