Should You Replace Your Toothbrush After Being Sick? Separating Fact from Fiction

For most viral illnesses, the answer is probably not.

After your immune system fights off a virus like the common cold or influenza, it develops antibodies that help protect you from becoming infected with that same virus again for a period of time.

Because of this immune response, the virus left on your toothbrush is unlikely to cause you to immediately become sick again.

In addition, most respiratory viruses do not survive indefinitely on toothbrush bristles.

The type of illness you had matters.

Common viral illnesses include:

• Common cold

• Influenza (flu)

• COVID-19

• RSV

• Many viral sore throats

These illnesses generally do not require replacing your toothbrush solely to prevent reinfection.

However, bacterial infections can be different.

For example, if you've been diagnosed with strep throat, many healthcare providers recommend replacing your toothbrush after you've been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours to reduce the chance of continued exposure to bacteria.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were advised to replace toothbrushes after infection.

Current evidence does not strongly support replacing your toothbrush solely because you had COVID-19.

Once you've recovered and your immune system has responded to the virus, reinfection from your own toothbrush is considered unlikely.

Good oral hygiene and routine toothbrush replacement remain the most important recommendations.

Even if illness isn't the reason, toothbrushes should not last forever.

Dental professionals generally recommend replacing your toothbrush:

• Every three to four months

• When bristles become frayed

• After significant contamination

• If mold develops

• After recovering from strep throat

A worn toothbrush simply doesn't clean your teeth as effectively.

Proper storage is more important than many people realize.

To reduce bacterial growth:

• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.

• Store it upright so it can air dry.

• Avoid closed containers that trap moisture.

• Do not allow toothbrush heads to touch one another.

• Replace toothbrushes regularly.

Contrary to popular belief, soaking your toothbrush in mouthwash or disinfectants is generally unnecessary.

While your own toothbrush is unlikely to reinfect you with the same viral illness, sharing toothbrushes is never recommended.

Sharing can spread:

• Bacteria

• Viruses

• Bloodborne pathogens

Each person should always use their own toothbrush.

Many people believe they keep getting sick because they didn't replace their toothbrush.

In reality, repeat illnesses are much more commonly caused by:

• Exposure to new viruses

• Household transmission

• School or workplace exposure

• Seasonal respiratory viruses

• Allergies mistaken for infection

Your toothbrush is rarely the reason someone becomes ill again.

Most viral illnesses improve within several days to two weeks.

However, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation.

Seek Medical Evaluation If You Develop:

• Fever that returns

• Difficulty swallowing

• Severe sore throat

• Swollen lymph nodes

• White patches on the tonsils

• Difficulty breathing

• Symptoms that continue worsening

These symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection or another condition requiring treatment.

Common Recovery Symptoms

• Mild lingering cough

• Improving sore throat

• Mild fatigue

• Occasional nasal congestion

• Gradually improving energy

These symptoms often improve over time without additional treatment.

Seek Medical Evaluation Promptly If You Develop:

• High fever

• Difficulty breathing

• Persistent severe sore throat

• Difficulty swallowing saliva

• Significant neck swelling

• Symptoms worsening after initially improving

These symptoms may require additional evaluation.

Should I replace my toothbrush after a cold?

Usually no. There is little evidence that keeping your toothbrush after a viral cold will cause you to become sick again.

Should I replace my toothbrush after strep throat?

Yes. Many healthcare providers recommend replacing your toothbrush after you have been taking antibiotics for at least 24 hours.

Can viruses live on toothbrushes?

Some viruses can survive on surfaces for a limited time, but they generally do not remain infectious indefinitely, and reinfection from your own toothbrush appears to be unlikely.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Most dentists recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become worn.

Can I disinfect my toothbrush instead?

Routine rinsing and proper air drying are generally sufficient. Special disinfecting products are not usually necessary.

If you're recovering from an illness and aren't sure whether your symptoms are improving normally or could indicate a bacterial infection, CallOnDoc can help.

CallOnDoc offers convenient online evaluations for sore throat, strep throat, influenza, COVID-19, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, and other common illnesses.

Licensed providers can review your symptoms, determine whether testing or treatment may be appropriate, and recommend a care plan based on your medical history and current condition.

Whether you're recovering at home, traveling, or unable to visit a clinic, expert medical care may be available wherever you have internet access.

For most viral illnesses, replacing your toothbrush is more myth than medical necessity.

While routine toothbrush replacement remains important for good oral health, there is little evidence that your toothbrush will cause you to catch the same cold or flu again after you've recovered.

The exception is certain bacterial infections, such as strep throat, where replacing your toothbrush after starting antibiotics may be beneficial.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, storing your toothbrush properly, and replacing it every few months are still the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.