How Often Should You Change Your Toothbrush?

Posted on 5/15/2020 by Dr. Nick Raptou

Nothing lasts forever. Mattresses need to be changed every 5-10 years, synthetic oil every 6,000 miles, and underwear should be changed daily and replaced as needed. All of these changes are made in order to ensure quality. The quality of your smile, and your mouth as a whole, is dependent on a reliable toothbrush. The question now is, when does your toothbrush become unreliable?

When Something Happens to Your Mouth

Getting the flu, a cold, after recovering from a mouth infection, and even after a sore throat can all constitute situations when you might have to replace your toothbrush. The germs can stay in the bristles of your toothbrush or can come from another toothbrush if they are stored too close together without proper protection. Recovering from these sicknesses means nothing if you are using the same toothbrush as it would essentially spread the germs back into your mouth.

Father Time Takes Its Toll

It is the ADA's, as well as our, recommendation that toothbrushes get flipped out every 3 months or when the bristles start to fray. After 3 months the performance of the toothbrush comes into question. The toothbrush may be less effective in removing plaque and tartar build-up. Frayed bristles reduce a toothbrush's effectiveness to reach hard to reach areas between the teeth or certain corners in the mouth.

An old mattress makes for a bad night's sleep, dirty oil can clog up an engine damaging a car's engine, and unchanged underwear is just an uncomfortable situation, for everyone. Oral care can be a tricky business but taking time to do necessary maintenance is key to keeping your mouth healthy in the long run. You can also change your toothbrush if you feel like it. It is important to make regularly scheduled appointments for checkups and if you have any questions, feel free to contact our office for more information on any oral questions you may have.

Raptou Family icon quote left at double resolution

Dr. Raptou and his staff are simply amazing! I have been to many, many dentists over the years and none have come close to providing the excellent care and professional service I experienced with Dr. Raptou and his team! I am one of those people who has always had a major fear of going to the dentist, but not any more thanks to Dr. Raptou!

Raptou Family icon quote right at double resolution

Expect Something Different

We are passionate about creating smiles with life-changing results.
Our dentists in Columbus, OH believe that continuing education is a natural extension of our desire to provide patients with the best that dental care can offer while maintaining an edge of excellence in our practice.

Learn MoreAbout Dr. NicholasDentist in Columbus OH Learn MoreAbout Dr. IsaacDentist in Columbus OH

Dr. Nicholas Raptou and son Dr. Isaac Raptou, dentists in Columbus, OH.

We recognize that all patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care tailored to their individual needs.

Our talented dental team continually strives to provide each patient with a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding experience in our Columbus dentist office.

We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Learn MoreAbout Our Dental Team

Contact Raptou Family Dental Today

Our Columbus dentists are the first step to a healthier, happier you!

BookOnline
Download YourNew Patient Forms

Give Us a Call
(614) 427-0449

Raptou Family button for social location at double resolution

136 Northwoods Blvd STE A1
Columbus, OH 43235-4728

Image of text - No dental insurance? Click to get preventive dental care for a low monthly fee.

Dental Blog - Columbus, OH • Raptou Family Dental
We provide Columbus with comprehensive general & family dentistry with an emphasis on individualized care, prevention, & cosmetic enhancements. Visit our Blog!
Raptou Family Dental, 136 Northwoods Blvd, STE A1, Columbus, OH 43235 + (614) 427-0449 + raptou.com + 2/12/2026 + Page Terms:Dentist Columbus OH +