My daughter has strep throat and I know we’re supposed to change her toothbrush, but I don’t know whether to do it now while she’s still being treated or after her antibiotics are finished.
Cami
Dear Cami,
I hope it wasn’t your doctor who told you that you needed to change the toothbrush. If so, he is just buying into the hype pushed by toothbrush companies. There is no reason to change out her toothbrush. In fact, as far as I know, there has been only one actual study about this issue. You can read it here. It was done by the University of Texas in 2013 and found there was no transmission of strep by a toothbrush.
While it is true that you can catch a cold on the back of a cold, it isn’t because you have reinfected yourself. It would be a different strain.
If You’re Still Worried
However, I can understand that some parents would be worried about germs. There is a way to sterilize your or your child’s toothbrush that costs significantly less than replacing the toothbrush. You can simply put the head of the toothbrush in some Chlorine Bleach, such as the brand name Clorox, though it doesn’t have to be that brand. You leave it there about five minutes, rinse the brush after the time runs up and you have a toothbrush that is completely sterile.
So, how often should you change a toothbrush? Usually, you will want to change your toothbrush every three to four months. That isn’t necessarily because of germs. It mostly becuase when you are brushing as you should, the bristles wear out.
Though, if your child is going to the pediatric dentist every six months as they should, then they will probably receive a brand new toothbrush after each visit anyway.
I hope this puts your mind at ease.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.