When to Change and How to Store Your Toothbrush

By brushing appropriately with a toothbrush, you can effectively remove plaque. Use a toothbrush with bristles that are not splayed, and brush gently to avoid damaging your teeth or gums, in order to maintain a clean mouth.

When the bristles become splayed, a toothbrush becomes less effective in removing plaque.
Change your toothbrush approximately once a month.

When to Change Your Toothbrush

When the bristles have become splayed, a toothbrush becomes less effective in removing plaque and it may also damage your gums. Even if the bristles are not splayed, they will become less elastic after long term use, making the toothbrush only half as effective. It is recommended that you change your toothbrush approximately once a month.

When to Change Your Toothbrush

If you view your toothbrush from the back and the bristles look splayed or have become less elastic, you should change to a new toothbrush. In general, you should change your toothbrush approximately once a month.

Checkpoint

When changing your toothbrush, check for dirt & stain at the base of the bristle roots and the amount of splaying, fraying and elasticity of the bristles. When to Change Your Toothbrush

Relationship between the Degree of Toothbrush Bristle Splaying and Plaque Removal Efficiency

When bristles become splayed, toothpaste can only remove 60% of plaque, compared to a toothbrush with bristles that are not splayed.
Relative plaque removal efficiency (%) Relationship between the Degree of Bristle Splaying and Plaque Removal Efficiency
Source: The Lion Foundation for Dental Health

When toothbrush bristles become splayed, it becomes difficult for them to make contact with the teeth. In addition, even if bristles are not splayed, they become less elastic after long term use, resulting in a reduction in the plaque removal efficiency of the toothbrush or damage to the gums.