Taking care of the toothbrush that takes care of your teeth is easier than you think. In the simplest terms, a toothbrush needs to be free of debris and have intact bristles to keep your smile looking its best. According to the ADA, you should replace your existing toothbrush with a new one every three to four months. A toothbrush that looks worn or has broken bristles should always be replaced right away.
Need for Sterilization?
Although you should rinse used toothpaste and debris from your brush after each use, there is no need to sterilize it. In fact, since toothbrushes are sold in boxes that are not hermetically sealed and sit on dusty store shelves for months at a time, they are far from sterile. Moreover, recent research has revealed that much of the bacteria on toothbrushes is harmless to your dental or overall health.
