A TikTok dentisthas revealed how regularly people should change their toothbrushes to stop millions of harmful bacteria from building up. Simón Pardiñas has warned that brushing with the wrong technique could spell trouble for your teeth and gums - along with using the same toothbrush for too long.

Oral health isn’t just about flashing a pearly smile - keeping your mouth clean is key to feeling well and avoiding serious health problems. Doing so won’t just whiten your teeth or keep bad breath at bay.

The way you brush – and how often you swap your toothbrush – can prevent disease. Simón said on TikTok: “If the bristles fray fast, it’s probably because you’re pressing too hard. That can damage your teeth and gums.”

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He said that people should change their toothbrushes every three months. However, the dentist added: “If you’ve been ill with a viral or bacterial infection, replace it straight away.

“Millions of harmful bacteria can accumulate on toothbrushes during illness.” Simón also said that people should swap their toothbrush every season - summer, autumn, winter, spring.

If the bristles are frayed or flattened, it’s probably time for a new one. Aggressive brushing can also lead to receding gums and enamel wear.

Dr Praveen Sharma, from the school of dentistry at the University of Birmingham, previously told the BBC that half of adults in the UK will have gum disease at some point - with one key warning sign.

He said: "If your gums are bleeding or swollen, it's a sign you need to brush better.” Dr Sharma also clarified that the key to healthy teeth is brushing quality instead of quantity.

He explained: "If you can find time, then yes, brush properly twice a day. But it's better to do it once a day well and once quickly for two minutes.”

While cleaning your teeth properly after every meal is obviously one of the best ways to keep oral standards high, making sure you never put a cap on your toothbrush is also just as vital – to prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria.

Some people put a cover over their toothbrush because they want to try to protect the bristles from the build-up of bacteria and microbes. Yet another dentist has pointed out the risk involved in doing that.

Posting on TikTok, dentist Janira Sánchez said: “The cap on our toothbrushes encourages the growth of fungi and bacteria. Many people believe the cap protects them against bacteria but, in reality, the moisture gets trapped inside and encourages more fungi and bacteria to grow.”