We hear all the time that we should throw our toothbrushes out after X amount of time or after a certain number of brushings.
However, since we hear all different time frames from different sources, how can we know which is the best one to go with? It is important to replace your toothbrush as soon as it begins wearing out.
As each brushing's efficiency deteriorates, your teeth get less-and-less clean each time you brush them.
We usually don't notice this happening, and can prove such by simply replacing our worn out toothbrush - that insanely clean feeling that you notice with a new brush is what you should be feeling each time you brush your teeth.
We just don't notice our brushes going downhill since the change happens over such a long period of time.
As far as when to replace them goes, there really isn't a standard rule of thumb.
You see, people always try to go by months or weeks, but there are many factors that come into play.
If you brush your teeth 3 times a day, your brush will wear out much faster than someone who brushes their teeth at night and then runs them over their mouth real quick in the morning instead of doing a complete brushing.
Another factor that comes into play is the toothbrush you're using.
Nobody can tell you exactly when your brush will run out of time without know exactly what brand and type of brush you are using.
Some models will wear out long before others do.
Because of all this variation, it is important to use your own judgment.
You can tell when your brush is wearing out by how it feels against your fingers (not your teeth).
If the bristles have more give than a new brush does, it's probably time to throw it out.
The best thing to go by: Toothbrushes are relatively cheap.
Replace them a little more often than you think you need to, just to play it on the safe side.
Brushes are cheaper than teeth!