how often to change electric toothbrush head

You should replace an electric toothbrush head about every 3–4 months in normal use, and sooner if it looks worn or you’ve been sick.

Quick Scoop

• Typical schedule: every 3–4 months for most adults using the brush twice a day.

• If you press hard, have braces, or brush more than 2× daily: every 2–3 months is safer.

• After a cold, flu, COVID, or stomach bug: change the head as soon as you’re better to reduce reinfection risk.

• For kids’ electric brushes: about every 2 months because they’re rougher on bristles and hygiene is trickier.

• Golden rule: if bristles are frayed, splayed, or faded, change the head even if it’s been less than 3 months.

Why the 3–4 month rule?

Electric toothbrush bristles slowly wear down and bend, which makes them much less effective at removing plaque even if they still look okay at a glance. Over time, old bristles can also hold more bacteria and may irritate your gums instead of gently cleaning them.

Many dental associations and big brush brands echo the same guideline: replace the head (or manual brush) roughly every three to four months. That’s based on how long bristles usually stay effective with twice-daily brushing.

Situations when you should change it sooner

• You’ve been sick: Any contagious illness (respiratory or stomach) is a good reason to swap the head immediately afterward.

• Bristles look frayed or splayed: If they’re bending outwards or feel rough, the head is past its prime, even if it’s only been a month or two.

• You brush very hard: Heavy pressure wears bristles faster, so 2–3 months is more realistic.

• You notice bleeding or irritation: A worn head (or using too much force) can aggravate gums; a fresh, soft head plus gentler pressure can help.

Some modern electric brushes have indicator bristles that fade in color to signal it’s time for a change, which is a handy visual reminder.

Little “routine” you can follow

1. Note the date when you put on a new head (or set a 3‑month reminder on your phone).
2. Check the bristles under good light once a week.
3. Replace immediately if you’ve just recovered from an illness or the bristles look flared out.
4. For kids, assume a shorter cycle and check even more often.

A simple example: if you start a new head on March 1 and brush twice a day, plan to change it around June 1—but move that earlier if the bristles look worn or you get sick in between.