Tips to Take Care of Your Toothbrush
We use our toothbrushes to clean our teeth every day, but we don’t often think of how we can ensure this dental tool stays clean itself. As we all know, our toothbrushes are essential in taking care of our teeth, so it’s only right that we take care of them, too. To do its job effectively, we must follow a few steps to keep our toothbrush in tip-top shape.
1.Clean Your Toothbrush After it Cleans You
It’s common knowledge that we brush our teeth to get rid of the bacteria, plaque, and food caught in our mouths. So, think about what your toothbrush will hold after you’re done cleaning your teeth. It’s common and normal to rinse your toothbrush after brushing, but how many of us take the time to ensure it’s completely clean? Often, toothpaste can get stuck deep in the bristles, as can bits of food. Take your time cleaning your toothbrush in hot water after using it, wipe it down, and put it away when done.
2. Keep Your Toothbrush Upright
There are so many do’s and don’ts when storing your toothbrush, and we’re here to break it down for you. First, always make sure that you keep your toothbrush upright. Why? Storing your toothbrush upright will allow it to air out and avoid contaminants from the bathroom counter. Second, keep your toothbrush as far from the toilet as possible. As gross as it may sound, when flushing the toilet, there can be microscopic contaminants that fly all over the bathroom and onto your toothbrush. Third and lastly, don’t keep your toothbrush head enclosed in a cover or container. This warm, moist container will only breed more bacteria.
3. Replace Your Toothbrush or Head Periodically
With regular everyday use, it’s normal for the bristles on your toothbrush to become worn down. When your bristles start to get worn down and bent, it will make cleaning your teeth slightly less effective. The American Dental Association recommends that individuals replace their toothbrushes roughly every three to four months. Did you know that if you or someone in your house become ill, it can actually build up on the toothbrush and may spread to others nearby?
Contact Dr. Pollock Today
Overall, the best way to keep your toothbrush as healthy as you do your teeth is by following the three tips above. Dr. Pollock at Rockwall Oral Surgery would love to speak more about the importance of oral health. For any questions, please give us a call today at (469) 264-8921 or reach out via email at info@dentalimplantsurgery.com.
