The general recommendation is to change your toothbrush every three to four months. This applies to both manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads. You should also replace it sooner if the bristles become worn, frayed, or after you have been sick to avoid re-infection. Using a toothbrush beyond this time frame can lead to less effective cleaning due to worn bristles and increase the risk of bacteria buildup, which can harm your teeth and gums.