You use your toothbrush to clean your teeth, right? Well, if you cannot remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush, the chances of your toothbrush doing a very good job at cleaning your teeth are slim. It is essential that you use a clean tool to care for your mouth.
Below are tips on caring for your toothbrush so that it does its job well:
- Rinse your toothbrush after each use. Your toothbrush is a tool that was designed to brush away bacteria-laden plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. Bacteria and food particles become trapped between the bristles of your toothbrush with each use, so it is necessary to rinse your toothbrush well to avoid putting the bacteria back into your mouth. Rinse your toothbrush under fast, running water after each use to rinse away lingering particles.
- Allow your toothbrush to air dry in an upright position. As with all bacteria, oral bacteria thrive in moist environments. By storing your toothbrush in an up-right position, it will air dry much faster and eliminate a moist environment. It is also necessary to keep your toothbrush uncovered so that it dries as quickly as possible. If you must cover your toothbrush for travel, make sure it is dry before you pack it.
- Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet. In bathrooms where there is not a door separating the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, it is imperative that you keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. With every flush of the toilet, overspray enters the air and lands on whatever is nearby. This overspray contains urine and fecal matter – which you do not want landing on your toothbrush.
- Do not share your toothbrush. Remember, your toothbrush is a tool that removes bacteria-laden plaque from the teeth and some of it becomes trapped on the toothbrush. If you are sharing a toothbrush with someone else, you are simply putting their plaque inside your mouth – which is very gross.
- Replace your toothbrush often. Even with proper care, your toothbrush will have bacterial buildup over time. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush ever 3-6 months to ensure that you are using a clean tool for cleaning your teeth.
- Replace your toothbrush after illness. Germs can linger for a week or longer on any surface, including your toothbrush. In order to avoid re-infection, it is important to replace your toothbrush after a cold, the flu, strep, a stomach bug, or any other illness.
At Gainesville Dental Group, we want to help you achieve the healthiest smile possible. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We will have a new toothbrush ready for you!
Posted on behalf of Gainesville Dental Group
