A good toothbrush and quality toothpaste are important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. They help remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums, which keeps your mouth as healthy as possible.  

There are many different types of toothbrushes available, so it is important to choose one that is right for you. The best ones have soft bristles that are gentle on gums. Your toothbrush should also be the right size for your mouth. 

You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months to ensure it is effective.

Keep in mind that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a good toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes offer a variety of benefits, but you can still maintain good dental health if an expensive toothbrush isn’t an option for you.

It’s possible to replace your toothbrush and get more toothpaste for free from a variety of different resources. This is great news for people who qualify as low-income and don’t have extra cash to invest in a new toothbrush or toothpaste every few months. 

Places to Get Free Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

• County health department — check with your local health department or community health center. They may have free toothbrushes available.
• Your dentist — ask your dentist or dental hygienist for a new toothbrush or toothpaste if you’re in need. They may have extra toothbrushes they are willing to give you for free. In some cases, you’ll automatically get a free toothbrush, a sample toothpaste, and a brushing lesson with each routine cleaning.
• Neighborhood dental offices — many dentists’ offices give away toothbrushes for free. Simply call ahead and ask if they have any available. Most people will work with their dentist to get the tools they need, but if you don’t have a dentist, you might still be able to get a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Online — search for “free toothbrush” on Freecycle or Craigslist. You may be surprised at what people are giving away for free. Sometimes people have extra toothbrushes or toothpaste still in their unopened packages.
• Your local 211 hotline — may be able to direct you to organizations in your area that give away free toothbrushes.

Other Low-Income Dental Resources

• www.CMS.gov —The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services that administers the United States’ major healthcare programs including Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP.
• www.ada.org — The American Dental Association (ADA) offers a program called the ADA Foundation’s Give Kids A Smile. This program provides free dental care to underserved children across the United States. The ADA can also help you find a dentist in your area who provides free consultations and low-cost or free cleanings and initial exams.
• www.asdanet.org — The American Student Dental Association can help you find nearby dental schools and clinics. Many offer free or low-cost dental care. Call around to see if there are any options in your area.
• www.dentallifeline.org — Dental Lifeline Network offers dental care and education for people who cannot afford it, who have a permanent disability, are 65 or older, or who are medically fragile.
• www.smileschangelives.org — Smiles Change Lives is a national community-based orthodontic program. It helps children by providing orthodontic treatment to families who cannot afford braces but are struggling with self-esteem because of crooked teeth.