Patient question
When to replace your toothbrush
Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. Sooner if the bristles splay out (fraying) or after any upper respiratory infection. Replace an electric brush head every 3 months too, and children's brushes as often as every 2 months.
Detailed explanation
The 3-month interval is recommended by both the Czech Dental Chamber (ČSK) and the American Dental Association. After 3 months the bristles lose their elasticity and stop cleaning the tooth surface and gaps between teeth effectively. Frayed bristles cut cleaning efficiency by 30 to 40 percent.
Signs to replace it now: splayed bristles (visible from the side), smelly or discoloured bristles, a stiffened handle, or a brush dropped on the floor. Replace the brush after flu or a sore throat too, since the bristles can reinfect you.
The ideal type. Medium hardness for adults without sensitive gums, soft for sensitive patients and children. A small head (about the width of two molars), rounded bristles. Brand is not critical (Curaprox 5460, Elmex Sensitive, Sensodyne perform similarly well).
Electric brushes. Replace Oral-B, Sonicare or Sencor heads on the same 3-month schedule. Most models have a wear indicator (the bristles change colour). Genuine heads cost 200 to 500 CZK each, generics 80 to 200 CZK.
General information, not a substitute for an examination by a dentist. Updated 8 July 2026.