Can I use one toothbrush my whole life?

Some people change their toothbrush every year….some do it every 6 months and some hygiene-conscious ones do it every month. Some feel it's a waste of money and use the brush till there are no bristles left to brush. So what is the right answer?

?There is no exact number that I can tell you. My calculation says you should change your manual toothbrush when the bristles start fraying. When the bristles fray, then you start applying more pressure for better cleansing and this could lead to tooth abrasion.

Another scenario is when you have been ill…had a bacterial/ viral/fungal infection, then also it is a good idea to change your brush because over a while, there can be a bacterial build up and we do not want a bacteria-infested toothbrush in our mouths.

When you've had bleeding gums, get an oral prophylaxis done and then change the brush.

So no, even if you want to be environmentally friendly, you cannot use the same toothbrush for many years. It needs to be changed every 3-4 months, though you were healthy.

Not just changing brushes but taking good care of them is important.

Microbes may accumulate on your toothbrush, even after a good wash. Our washrooms and freshening-up areas are breeding grounds for various microbes and brushes are usually placed in these areas. So try to keep a cover or cap over the toothbrush. This can save some money.

At night, cockroaches take a night stroll and may crawl on it, so wash it, air-dry it, and cap it.

When keeping the brushes of the whole family together, try to see that the heads of the brushes don't touch each other.

Brush your teeth twice a day, at least. Floss your teeth, if possible. Rinse your mouth thoroughly. Go for a dental checkup every 6 months and this should take care of your oral hygiene.