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The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush (or brush head, if you use an electric toothbrush) about every three months–more because of the wear on the bristles than germs.

Tooth sensitivity is the pain you may feel when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or drinks. You may also feel pain when you breathe in cold air. Sensitivity can happen when gums pull away from the teeth or when gum tissue is lost. Gum loss can occur as a result of brushing too hard or not brushing and flossing regularly. When gum loss occurs, the part of the tooth below the gumline can be exposed, called the tooth root. There are tiny tunnels that contain fluid and lead from the tooth root to the tooth’s nerve center, called the pulp. When cold or heat touches these tunnels, the tooth fluid can excite ther nerve pulp, causing pain in your teeth. Sensitivity can also happen if the tooth’s hard surface layer, called enamel, gets worn away Tooth sensitivity can come and go, but ignoring it can lead to other health problems in your mouth.

The American Dental Association advises that flossing your teeth thoroughly should be done at least once a day, but more is better. Some people think that flossing more often can result in damage to the gums, this in not so. Over vigorous or incorrect flossing is one of the most common causes of damage to the gum tissues.