Caring For Your Toothbrush

You use your toothbrush to keep your mouth clean, right? Well, have you stopped to consider lately how clean your toothbrush actually is? If you cannot remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush, it is likely that your toothbrush is not doing a very good job cleaning your teeth because it is not clean.

Below are simple tips for caring for your toothbrush in order to ensure that it is caring for you.

• Rinse your toothbrush after each use. Your toothbrush is a tool that was specifically designed to remove plaque from the teeth and gum line. This plaque is made up of millions of bacteria that become trapped in the bristles of your toothbrush. By rinsing your toothbrush under fast, running water after each use you are helping to rinse away the bacteria that are trapped on your brush.
• Store your toothbrush upright and let it air dry. All bacteria thrive in moist environments, and your toothbrush is an ideal environment for bacteria to flourish. After rinsing your toothbrush, store it in an upright position, keeping it uncovered so that it can air dry quickly. This will keep any bacteria that were not rinsed away from staying alive and reentering your mouth with the next use.
• Do not share your toothbrush. Your toothbrush removes bacteria from your mouth, and everyone else’s toothbrush removes bacteria from his or her mouth. If you are sharing a toothbrush, you are sharing bacteria. Gross!
• Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet. A toilet is a contraption to collect and dispose of waste, and with every flush of a toilet is overspray that enters the air. This overspray contains urine and fecal matter, and it will land on anything in its path. If your bathroom does not have a door separating the toilet from the rest of the room, it is vital that your toothbrush is as far away from the toilet as possible.
• Replace your toothbrush often. If you have ever wondered why you receive a new toothbrush at every dental appointment, it is because your dentist understands how important it is to use a clean tool for cleaning your mouth. Over time, bacteria will build up on your toothbrush, so it is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3-6 months.
• Replace your toothbrush after you have been ill. Germs can linger for up to 10 days. If you have recently had a cold, the flu, strep throat, a stomach bug, or any other illness, it is important that you replace your toothbrush. Not doing so will re-introduce germs into your body, very well causing you to become sick again.

At Sycamore Hills Dentistry, we are proud to help our patients achieve optimal oral health. Please call us today to schedule an appointment. We will have a brand new toothbrush ready for you!

 

Posted on behalf of Sycamore Hills Dentistry