— Lorraine, Newark, NJ
Every month or two. When your toothbrush gets wet, bacteria jump on board—“and the longer you have the brush, the more bacteria accumulate,” says Sherri Worth, D.D.S., a dentist in Newport Beach, California. (And bacteria can come from anywhere—including your mouth and even the air!)
But time isn’t the only gauge: Worth says to toss a brush that has worn, frayed, or bristles going in different directions; ditto after you’ve had the flu or a cold. To lengthen the life of your brush, rinse it thoroughly after each use and allow it to dry completely before popping a clean cover over the bristles.
Should you exercise if you’re still sore from a previous workout?
—Kaitlin, Lakeland, FL
Unless you’re aching from a hugely intense effort—like a…
