Caring for Your Toothbrush is Part of Having Good Oral Health
Most people know the importance of a toothbrush in relation to caring for their teeth and good oral health. However, fewer know how to take care of their toothbrushes. Dakota Dental has some suggestions regarding what kind to get, where to store it, and when to replace it.
When it comes to bristles, the firmer the better, right? Wrong! Soft-bristled toothbrushes are comfortable and are less likely to damage gums or teeth. Choose a toothbrush with nylon bristles, a long handle, and a small head that can easily reach and clean all the nooks and crannies in the mouth. A powered toothbrush is also a great option.
In a previous Dakota Dental care blog, we discussed the importance of keeping the toilet lid down. Flushing the toilet spreads bacteria and germs up to six feet away – often reaching the area most people leave a toothbrush! To prevent contamination of your toothbrush, keep it in a cabinet or drawer and keep the toilet lid down.
It is important to healthy teeth and gums to replace a toothbrush at least every three or four months. Ideally, the toothbrush will be replaced when the bristles are frayed and/or smashed down and the brush is showing signs of wear. However, if these signs are not apparent by three months, Dakota Dental recommends replacement anyway. If you’ve been sick with a virus and/or fever, it is also important to replace the tooth brush since germs can settle in between the bristles and reinfect the user.
To keep a toothbrush clean, make sure it has time to dry out between uses. This may mean foregoing a toothbrush cover that holds moisture in. Also, soaking your brush in alcohol or mouthwash will help kill germs. For a more natural way to clean a toothbrush, simply dip it in boiling water for ten seconds.
The importance of dental health goes beyond toothbrushes and includes regular checkups with the Dakota Dental family dentists in Apple Valley, MN. Schedule your appointment at our dental clinic today to preserve that perfect smile for many tomorrows.