How to Replace Electric Toothbrush Heads: Step-by-Step Guide
Pull the old brush head straight off (Oral-B) or twist and pull (Sonicare), then push the new head onto the metal shaft until it clicks. Replace every 3 months or when bristle indicator colors fade. Cost: $5-10 per head for OEM, $1-3 for third-party.
Replacing your electric toothbrush head is one of the simplest maintenance tasks, yet it is also one of the most commonly neglected. Worn-out bristles cannot clean effectively, and a frayed brush head can actually harm your gums. The American Dental Association recommends replacing brush heads every three months at minimum, regardless of the brand you use.
This guide covers the exact replacement process for every major brand, signs that indicate it is time for a new head, and how to choose the right replacement for your specific toothbrush model.
When to Replace Your Brush Head
The three-month rule is a general guideline, but here are more specific signs that your brush head needs replacing:
- Bristles are splayed or frayed. If bristles point outward instead of standing straight, cleaning effectiveness drops by up to 30%.
- Indicator bristles have faded. Oral-B and Sonicare heads feature blue bristles that gradually fade to white over three months of use.
- Bristles feel softer. New bristles have firm yet gentle tips. Worn bristles become limp and cannot generate enough scrubbing action.
- You have been sick. After recovering from a cold, flu, or any oral infection, replace the brush head to avoid reintroduction of bacteria.
- Discoloration or buildup. If you notice dark spots, mold, or mineral deposits at the base of the bristles that do not come off with cleaning, replace immediately.
How to Replace: Oral-B Brush Heads
Standard Oral-B Models (Pro, Vitality, Smart, Genius)
- Grip the brush head firmly with one hand and the handle with the other.
- Pull the head straight up and off the metal drive shaft. Do not twist, just pull directly upward. Some resistance is normal.
- Clean the exposed metal shaft with a damp cloth. This is a good opportunity to remove any buildup.
- Push the new head onto the shaft until you feel it seat firmly. It should slide on smoothly and sit flush against the handle.
- Run the brush for a few seconds under water to confirm proper operation.
All standard Oral-B brush heads (CrossAction, FlossAction, Sensitive, 3D White, etc.) are interchangeable across all non-iO Oral-B handles. This includes Vitality, Pro 1000, Pro 3000, Smart, and Genius series. However, Oral-B iO heads are NOT compatible with standard Oral-B handles and vice versa.
Oral-B iO Series
- Press the release button on the brush head (the small colored button near where the head meets the handle).
- Pull the head upward while pressing the button. The magnetic connection will release.
- Align the new iO head with the handle connector. The magnets will guide it into the correct position.
- Push down until you hear a click. The magnetic connection should feel secure and firm.
How to Replace: Sonicare Brush Heads
Standard Sonicare Models (ProtectiveClean, DiamondClean, ExpertClean)
- Grip the brush head near the base where it connects to the handle.
- Pull the head straight off the handle with a firm, steady pull. Sonicare heads can feel tighter than Oral-B heads, especially when new. A slight rocking motion can help.
- Wipe the metal coupling shaft on the handle.
- Align the new head with the shaft and push it on firmly until it seats completely. There should be no gap between the head base and the handle.
Most Sonicare brush heads are interchangeable across the current Sonicare lineup using the "click-on" system. However, older Sonicare models (pre-2014) used a screw-on system and require different heads. Check your model number if unsure.
How to Replace: Other Brands
Quip
Quip heads slide off from the top after detaching the entire head assembly. The outer cover, bristle section, and inner motor housing separate into parts. Quip's subscription service delivers new heads every 3 months automatically.
Burst
Burst heads pull straight off like Oral-B. They have a tapered design that fits snugly on the handle shaft. Burst also offers a subscription plan for replacement heads at $6 per head.
Fairywill and Other Budget Brands
Most budget brands use a Sonicare-style snap-on mechanism. Pull the old head off and push the new one on. Heads are often sold in multi-packs of 4-8 for just a few dollars.
OEM vs. Third-Party Replacement Heads
| Factor | OEM (Brand Name) | Third-Party |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per head | $5-10 | $1-3 |
| Fit precision | Perfect | Good to very good |
| Bristle quality | Highest grade nylon | Varies by manufacturer |
| Indicator bristles | ✓ | ✗ (usually not) |
| Warranty safe | ✓ | ✓ |
| Annual cost (4 heads) | $20-40 | $4-12 |
Third-party replacement heads are a viable option for most users. The best third-party brands (like those sold in multi-packs on Amazon) use comparable bristle quality and fit well on both Oral-B and Sonicare handles. The main things you give up are indicator bristles and the marginal precision of a factory-fit connection.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Buy in bulk. Multi-packs of 8-16 heads offer the best per-head pricing, especially for OEM heads.
- Subscribe and save. Amazon Subscribe & Save offers 5-15% off regular replacement head orders.
- Watch for sales. Brush head prices drop significantly during Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and holiday sales.
- Consider subscriptions. Quip ($5/head), Burst ($6/head), and Goby ($6/head) include automatic delivery.
- Try third-party heads. A well-rated third-party 8-pack can cost less than a 2-pack of OEM heads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every 3 months is the standard recommendation from the ADA and most toothbrush manufacturers. If you brush aggressively or have braces, you may need to replace every 6-8 weeks. Watch for indicator bristle fading as a visual reminder.
All standard Oral-B heads (CrossAction, FlossAction, Sensitive, etc.) fit all non-iO Oral-B handles, including Vitality, Pro, Smart, and Genius series. Oral-B iO models use a completely different magnetic attachment system and require iO-specific heads.
Yes, and many people do to save money. Third-party heads cost 50-70% less than OEM and work well for most users. Check reviews to find reputable third-party brands. The main trade-off is the lack of indicator bristles and slightly less precise fit.