Unexpected replacement!
By katsmeow1213
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
United States
November 13, 2009 5:14pm CST
Last I knew, dentists recommended replacing your toothbrush every 6 months. So typically I replace ours at Easter and Christmas. We each get a new toothbrush, and usually some toothpaste in our Easter baskets, and also our Christmas stockings. I tend not to replace them at any other time unless it's necessary (although every so often I will swish them through some boiling water to sanitize them).
Well, I had to replace my toothbrush just about a month ago since one of my kids dropped it into the toilet! Eww! At least I caught it before I decided to use it!
I had to replace the toothbrushes for the whole family again today! My 2 littlest boys got into my make up and apparently everyone's toothbrush went for a swim in my foundation! So all new toothbrushes we got. Needless to say, I most likely will NOT be replacing them at Christmas again!
How often do you replace your toothbrushes? Have you ever had to replace one unexpectedly? Do you have any funny toothbrush stories?
3 people like this
13 responses
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
14 Nov 09
I haven't been to the dentist in years but I do think they recommend replacement every six months. I've had this toothbrush for two years! My husband has had his for quite some time but I'm not sure how long. I do not have any funny toothbrush stories though, so sorry can't make you laugh!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
15 Nov 09
I run the tooth brush through hot water but don't boil it as you do.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
15 Nov 09
I'm not a germaphobe or anything, but my gosh that is so gross!! I hope you at least sanitize it once in awhile! Ick!
1 person likes this
@lilybug (21107)
• United States
14 Nov 09
My kids get new toothbrushes all the time. Mostly when we go to visit people and we forget to bring someone's toothbrush and I have to buy a new one for that person. Both my kids got new toothbrushes from a dentist on Halloween, so I am keeping those for when they need new ones again.
My daughter got into my mom's foundation last weekend when we were visiting her, but instead of a toothbrush she used a makeup brush and then smeared it all over her face and in her eyes. She came running out of the bathroom freaking out because she could not see.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
14 Nov 09
This is the second time my boys have done this, as you may recall. And the stains do not come out of the clothes! The first time they did it, the 3 year old was wearing a brand new shirt.. now it's stained! Some of my 7 year old's clothes are stained too.
The joys of having little ones! Arg!
@cloudwatcher (6861)
• Australia
14 Nov 09
Sorry - no funny stories. I replace my toothbrush every time the tube of toothpaste runs out - the best way to remember it. That would work out about every two or three months, depending on the size of the tube.
I keep the old toothbrushes for odd cleaning jobs - grout in the tiles, hard to reach areas, plug holes, cleaning jewellery etc and throw them after use.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
14 Nov 09
I have to replace my toothpaste a lot sooner than every 2 or 3 months! Of course I have 7 people in my house. Only 3 of us use the adult toothpaste though... the kids get special kid toothpaste, and for now the youngest only brushes with water (he's not even 2 yet).
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 Nov 09
I replace mine when the bristles start getting crushed. And I replace the kids' when they are so thickly crusted with toothpaste that they are unusable. Also when the fall in the toilet. 
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
16 Nov 09
No I cannot remember any toothbrush stories. I do use my old ones to clean around the faucets in the bathrooms and kitchen sink. Not very original but cannot think of anything else. I am happy that your kids did not get them out of the toilet and replace them!!!
@froggieslover (3069)
• United States
14 Nov 09
Hello katsmeow, my family is just like yours. The Easter bunny always brings them new brushes and paste and then Santa brings them again in the stockings. I think it is nice this way because then they are anxious to use them then. My daughter loves brushing her teeth where as my son isn't so willing to do it. There has been many times when I have had to replace them before the six months period. There is also times when we go to the dentist for cleanings and he will give us new toothbrushes so we always have extras but if that happens we just replace them sooner thatn the six months.
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
14 Nov 09
Oh yes, I forgot about the dentist. We did get new brushes over the summer from the dentists. Usually if I get new brushes for them I replace them immediately just because. There are times I'll find a toothbrush on the floor because the kids are careless with them. That is when I sanitize them... but if someone gives us new ones it's best to replace!
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
15 Nov 09
I thought we was supposed to change them every three months?
I like the Colgate Wave...I have had a few fall in the toilet before..and they ended up as cleaning brushes..after they were dropped in a cup of bleach water to sit for a few hours..
@ElusiveButterfly (45939)
• United States
13 Nov 09
My manual toothbrush gets replaced one every 3 months. The head for my electric is more like 6 months. I haven't replaced it yet because of the expense. But, will get myself one this Christmas. I am asking Santa for a replacement.
@zed_k4 (17589)
• Singapore
14 Nov 09
I think I replace my brushes once every 3 months. I use mine pretty regularly. But I think I want to have 2 toothbrushes at one time, and change them every 3 months too..
@ZephyrSun (7381)
• United States
13 Nov 09
My dentist recommends every three months and I try to do it at that time. He also said that after an illness (cold, flu) they should be replaced and I do that because I worry that the illness will return.
@rg0205 (2636)
• Hong Kong
14 Nov 09
My electric gets replaced every 6 months but the non electric one gets replaced every two months. When the bristles start to have "split ends" or they're bending, I'd change them right away which usually is 2 months tops because I brush my teeth a lot.
I don't recall dropping my toothbrush in the toilet so hmm, I don't recall having to replace my toothbrush for any other reason other than it's been overused.
@brittanylyn2008 (3)
• United States
14 Nov 09
I tend to replace my toothbrush every month. I am a huge germaphobe, and can not stand it being out. I also soke mine in baking soda and hot water about once a week. And as far as the cost... I go to the dollar store... they have totally cute ones (like oens that have circles or characters) and they are only a buck. So if you do plan on replacing them again during christmas, try the dollar store they are cheap and are the same exact thing you would get from somewhere like walmart!
