After experiencing an illness such as COVID-19, one might wonder, when is the most appropriate time to change my toothbrush? Is it sufficient to simply wait until I have recovered completely, or are there specific guidelines that suggest an earlier substitution? Considering the potential lingering effects of the virus on oral health, should I take further precautions to ensure that my oral hygiene tools are not harboring lingering pathogens? It raises the question of whether a toothbrush could, in fact, serve as a reservoir for illness after recovery. But then, could it be possible that the bristles, even after thorough rinsing, might still retain some of the viral load? What about the timing—should I adhere to a strict timeline, perhaps correlating with the duration of my symptoms, or should I resort to a daily inspection? Furthermore, is there a scientifically endorsed protocol for determining the ideal juncture for such a critical change in my dental care routine?