How Often Should You Replace Your Electric Toothbrush Head?
If you’re using an electric toothbrush, you’re already giving your teeth a better clean than a manual brush can usually manage. But there’s one part of the routine that many people forget about: replacing the brush head. It’s easy to assume your toothbrush head is still doing its job, but over time the bristles wear down, lose their shape, and become far less effective. Knowing when to replace your electric toothbrush head is one of the simplest ways to keep your oral‑care routine working at its best.
Most dentists recommend replacing your electric toothbrush head every three months, but the truth is that it depends on how often you brush, how much pressure you use, and the type of head you’re using. If you brush twice a day, three months is a good rule of thumb. But if you notice the bristles starting to splay out, fade in colour, or feel softer than usual, it’s probably time for a new one — even if it hasn’t been the full three months yet.
Worn‑out bristles don’t clean as effectively. They struggle to reach between teeth, don’t sweep plaque away as efficiently, and can even irritate your gums if they’ve become too frayed. A fresh brush head, on the other hand, gives you that crisp, precise clean that electric toothbrushes are known for. It’s a small change that makes a big difference to your daily routine.
Another reason to replace your brush head regularly is hygiene. Over time, bristles collect bacteria, toothpaste residue, and tiny food particles. Even if you rinse your brush thoroughly, it’s impossible to keep it completely clean forever. Swapping the head every few months helps keep things fresh and reduces the chance of brushing with a head that’s past its best.
If you use Oral‑B electric toothbrushes, you’ll notice that many of their official brush heads include indicator bristles. These gradually fade in colour to show when it’s time for a replacement — a simple but clever reminder that takes the guesswork out of the process. It’s one of the reasons official Oral‑B heads tend to outperform generic alternatives, which often don’t include these helpful features.
Choosing the right replacement head also matters. Oral‑B offers a wide range of options, from CrossAction for deep cleaning to Sensitive Clean for gentler brushing, Whitening heads for stain removal, and Gum Care heads for people who need extra softness around the gumline. If your current brushing routine isn’t giving you the results you want, switching to a different type of head can make a noticeable difference.
Replacing your electric toothbrush head regularly is one of the easiest ways to keep your mouth healthy. It helps you remove more plaque, protect your gums, and get the most out of your electric toothbrush. If it’s been a while since you last changed yours, now’s a great time to refresh your routine.