How often should you change your child's toothbrush

Dentist Gina Gonzalez, DDS, shares advice for parents on how long your child should use a toothbrush for before changing it and buying a new one
How Often Should You Change Your Child's Toothbrush
KidsInTheHouse the Ultimate Parenting Resource
Kids in the House Tour

How often should you change your child's toothbrush

Comment
92
Like
92
Transcription: 
Children's toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. There are some companies that have an indicator in the brush, that indicate when the brush is worn out or the lifespan is gone. I recommend that every three to four months it be changed because of the amount of bacteria that's removed from the mouth. It should be rinsed out after use with really warm to hot water and let it dry in between brushing, so that the brush doesn't contain bacteria from the last brushing into the mouth. With a toothbrush, the most important thing is not to share. Children are very sweet, but that's one thing we should never share.

Dentist Gina Gonzalez, DDS, shares advice for parents on how long your child should use a toothbrush for before changing it and buying a new one

Related Videos

Transcript

Expert Bio

More from Expert

Gina Gonzalez, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Gina Gonzalez, DDS has been interested in dental care most of her life. She started working as a dental assistant in high school.  After graduating, she pursued her career by attending the University of Southern California from which she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 1982.  She was involved in creating new standards for dental hygiene in Spain where she also developed a dental hygiene school.

Dr. Gina Gonzalez earned her doctorate of dental surgery from the USC School of Dentistry in 1991.  As a lifelong learner, Dr. Gonzalez continues to study preventive and esthetic dentistry at renowned educational institutions all over the United States.  Her certifications include CEREC technology and Invisalign.  In addition to providing superb dental services to patients in her office, she dedicates her knowledge and skill to many philanthropic projects in the community and worldwide.  Annually, she is involved in a dental mission to Guatemala in which she provides dental care to people who would go without it otherwise.  She also regularly serves the elderly in Southern California through the Oral Eldercare Program. Dr. Gina Gonzalez is part of the USC School of Dentistry Board of Directors and is a member of the American Dental Association and the California Dental Association.   

In her leisure time, she enjoys Salsa dancing, participating in the art of Krav Maga and entertaining her two wonderful daughters.

More Parenting Videos from Gina Gonzalez, DDS >
Enter your email to
download & subscribe
to our newsletter
  Listen or Watch
Must See First Year Videos
Three important rules about your baby's first foods
First year milestones
Postnatal depression and loneliness advice
Baby losing interest in nursing
The importance of spending quality time during early childhood
Narrating an infant's environment
Research based benefits of co-sleeping
Bonding versus attachment
Bonding with your baby after a less-than-perfect birth
Preventing postpartum depression
Play All 34 Videos
Featured Experts: Alan Greene, MD, Lawrence Kagan, MD, Barbara Olinger, MSW
More Playlists >
Transcription: 
Children's toothbrushes should be changed every three to four months. There are some companies that have an indicator in the brush, that indicate when the brush is worn out or the lifespan is gone. I recommend that every three to four months it be changed because of the amount of bacteria that's removed from the mouth. It should be rinsed out after use with really warm to hot water and let it dry in between brushing, so that the brush doesn't contain bacteria from the last brushing into the mouth. With a toothbrush, the most important thing is not to share. Children are very sweet, but that's one thing we should never share.