An electric toothbrush offers you superior cleaning and plaque removal, keeping your teeth and gums healthy if it is used correctly twice a day. These battery-powered toothbrushes do an excellent job at helping you to maintain optimal oral hygiene, but they do not last forever. Today we are going to answer the question ‘how long does electric toothbrush last’ and when you might consider replacing yours.
How Long Does Electric Toothbrush Last?
Understanding The Lifespan Of An Electric Toothbrush
Each manufacturer will have a slightly different lifespan, so check the box before you buy. On average, you can expect electric toothbrushes to last between three and five years. Most manufacturers offer a warranty on electric toothbrushes, between one and two years, so make sure you hold onto your receipt in the event that it doesn’t last for its advertised lifespan.
Ideally, you would want your electric toothbrush to last for the full five years. Whether it reaches this milestone is often down to the way you treat, clean, and store yours. So what can you do to extend the lifespan of your electric toothbrush?
How To Extend The Lifespan Of Electric Toothbrushes?
Preserving Battery Life
Electric toothbrushes need to have a healthy battery to last for as long as possible. Just like other electronic devices, it’s a good idea to charge the battery only when it is low and not to leave it connected to the charger once it has reached full capacity.
Charging the battery for short charge periods on a regular basis is likely to reduce the lifespan of the battery. Remember that you will only be using the toothbrush for around two to three minutes at a time. We recommend that you wait until the battery indicates 20% or lower before recharging.
If you have an older model, it’s likely that over-charging the battery can degrade its lifespan.
Newer models may feature technology that stops the brush from over-charging, but it’s good practice to disconnect the charger once it is fully charged.
Most electric toothbrushes feature a battery light that indicates when it is time to recharge, so make sure you familiarise yourself with what the different coloured lights mean.
Handle It With Care
Dropping your electric toothbrush can cause damage to the internal components, so make sure you handle it carefully. Damage caused by a drop could void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Cleaning Electric Toothbrushes
You should rinse your toothbrush head thoroughly after each use. You can also disinfect it by soaking it in a hydrogen peroxide solution once you have detached it from the handset. You should clean your toothbrush cover and holder on a regular basis to keep it free of bacteria. We recommend you clean the toothbrush holder and covers every two weeks.
If you live with other people, make sure that each toothbrush head has its own holder or that the heads do not come into contact with one another, as this can transfer germs very easily.
Over time and with repeated use, you might notice build-up developing on the handset. Disassembling the components and cleaning each one with a soft cloth and hot water mixed with hydrogen peroxide can remove this build-up.
Keep your toothbrush and toothbrush head away from the toilet. Flushing a toilet sends bacteria into the air, and this can settle on the toothbrush head. A toothbrush cover is a good way to get around this problem. Otherwise, you can store toothbrushes in your medicine cabinet and as far away from your toilet as possible.
How Long Does A Toothbrush Head Last?
While the handset of your toothbrush could last for many years, the same cannot be said for the toothbrush head. Just like manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads need to be replaced on a regular basis. Most people can expect a two to three-month lifespan from their toothbrush head. You might notice the bristles starting to look frayed, but sometimes there isn’t a visible sign. Make a note when you start using a new head so you know when it’s time to change. 
If you find yourself needing to change the head on a more frequent basis, it could be a sign that you are brushing too hard.
It is also a good idea to change your toothbrush head if you have recovered from a contagious infection. The germs may live on the toothbrush, and you could reinfect yourself.
While it is possible for more than one person to share an electric toothbrush, each person should have their own head for cleaning to prevent the transfer of germs and bacteria. If you are sharing electric toothbrushes between family members, it’s important that each person cleans the brush thoroughly before and after use.
How Long Does Electric Toothbrush Last: Repair Or Replace?
With newer toothbrush models, it may be possible to replace the battery once it has reached the end of its life. Sometimes, however, you may not know what the reason behind its malfunctioning is. Some manufacturer warranties may offer a repair option if one of the internal components has stopped working. It’s best to check with your manufacturer before you run out to purchase a new one, as a repair could give you another year or two.
Manual Or Electric: Which Toothbrush Is Best For You?
Using an electric toothbrush does a more efficient job of keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. Because it uses a battery, the bristles can move much faster than a human hand, so an electric brush does a more effective job at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush.
To find out more about how long does electric toothbrush last or to find a model best suited to your dental hygiene needs, please contact us: (02) 8806 3799.
References
How to Disinfect Your Toothbrush and Keep It Clean
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-clean-toothbrush#electric-toothbrush-head
How Long Do Electric Toothbrushes Last?
https://www.electricteeth.com/uk/long-electric-toothbrushes-last/
