When to Replace Your Toothbrush After Strep Throat
You do not need to replace your toothbrush after being diagnosed with strep throat, as research shows that hygienic measures including toothbrush replacement have no impact on recurrence rates of streptococcal pharyngitis.
Evidence Against Toothbrush Replacement
The most direct evidence addressing this question comes from a prospective study that specifically tested whether environmental contamination, including toothbrushes, contributes to strep throat recurrence 1.
- A randomized trial of 114 patients with strep pharyngitis found no difference in treatment failure rates between those who changed their toothbrushes (and took other hygienic measures) versus those who did not 1
- The overall recurrence rate was 35% regardless of whether hygienic measures were taken 1
- Environmental samples were taken from toothbrushes, pillowcases, and other items, and the study concluded that hygienic measures have no decisive influence on recurrence risk 1
What Actually Matters: Completing Antibiotic Therapy
Rather than focusing on toothbrush replacement, the evidence strongly supports completing the full antibiotic course:
- Complete the full 10-day course of oral antibiotics to achieve maximal pharyngeal eradication of group A streptococci 2
- Most patients become culture-negative within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, with 83% converting within the first day 3
- However, 36% still had positive cultures the morning after starting treatment, emphasizing the need to complete therapy 3
Understanding Recurrence
When strep throat recurs, it is typically due to:
- Noncompliance with the prescribed antimicrobial regimen 2
- New infection acquired from family, classroom, or community contacts 2
- Carrier state during intercurrent viral infection 2
- Actual treatment failure with the original strain (rare) 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not waste money replacing toothbrushes or other personal items as a preventive measure - the evidence clearly demonstrates this does not reduce recurrence rates 1. Instead, focus on completing the full antibiotic course and monitoring for persistent or worsening symptoms that might indicate treatment failure or complications 2, 4.