Most people throw out their toothbrushes every 2-3 months and get a new one. However, there are other times that you should be tossing out your old toothbrush and getting a new one.

Do you know when you should swap out your toothbrush to protect your oral health? Here are a few of the most common times where you need to get rid of your old toothbrush for your health's sake.

Flip Out Your Toothbrush if You Ever Have One of These Ailments

Strep throat is highly contagious, and most dentists recommend that after you have been on antibiotics for 24-48 hours, you get rid of your old toothbrush. It keeps you from putting those same germs back into your mouth, potentially getting you sick again.

Cold sores should also prompt you to get a new toothbrush. Once you have an outbreak, use a cheap toothbrush until the outbreak is gone. After they have cleared up, use a new toothbrush and throw both your old one and the cheap one into the trash. That way, you do not get yourself re-exposed.

If you suspect that anyone may have used your toothbrush, you should also flip it out immediately. You never want to share your toothbrush, as anything going wrong in that person's mouth could be transferred into your mouth, getting you sick.

Never take chances with getting yourself sick or re-exposed to anything by using an old toothbrush. When they are on sale, stock up. If you are one that often gets cold sores or sick with illnesses like strep, get a bunch of cheap ones to have on hand so that you can keep yourself healthy.

If you are not sure if what you are sick with should prompt a new toothbrush, call our office today. They can help!