Most patients brush their teeth twice a day but give little thought to the equipment they use. Dentists know that using a poorly maintained toothbrush can be the pathway to worsening oral health, cavities, and gum disease.
Fortunately, properly caring for your toothbrush is easy and does not require any gadgets or additional products. This blog will discuss the top three ways to care for your toothbrush to ensure a healthy smile.
1. Rinse Your Toothbrush Well
After every brushing session, rinse the handle and bristles with warm tap water. This easy step will remove bacteria, saliva, and toothpaste residue from your brush, allowing it to dry cleanly. Germs on your hands may transfer to your toothbrush. Before brushing your teeth, wash your hands with soap and warm water..
2. Store Your Toothbrush Upright
Keep your toothbrush in a standing position and let it air dry. If you want to cover it, place it in a medicine cabinet. Do not use a plastic cover on a damp toothbrush, as these can encourage bacteria growth.
3. Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months or As Needed
Always replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three to four months. If it shows signs of wear, you may need to replace it more often. If you or a family member becomes ill, replace their toothbrush when they recover to halt the spread of viruses and bacteria.
Signs of a Toothbrush That Needs Replacement
- Splayed bristles: If the bristles splay out, your brush needs replacement.
- Color changing: Many toothbrushes have colored bristles that fade when they are becoming worn. However, do not rely on these bristles as your only indicators of wear.
- Lack of cleaning performance: As your toothbrush deteriorates, you will notice a loss of cleaning ability. Replace your toothbrush when you determine it is not cleaning as well as before.
Tips to Keep Your Toothbrush in Excellent Shape
Avoid Chemical Soaks
Do not soak in vinegar, disinfectant, or mouthwash. Air-drying is enough to ensure a healthy brush and will not leave an unpleasant taste behind. Gadgets that claim to disinfect your toothbrush are unnecessary.
Don't Brush Too Hard
If you press too hard on your toothbrush, you will damage your enamel and gums and shorten the brush's lifespan.
Never Share a Toothbrush
Sharing a toothbrush with a partner or family members negatively impacts oral health. Do not let toothbrushes touch while they are stored upright. If you accidentally switch toothbrushes, make sure that you each receive a new one.
How to Brush Your Teeth Properly
Here are our tips for proper brushing, starting with a fresh toothbrush. Use these tips at least twice a day to promote oral health.
- Brush in a circular motion, holding your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle at the gum line.
- Brush for a full two minutes: divide your mouth into four quarters and spend 30 seconds in each section.
- Use gentle circular motions and avoid hard scrubbing.
- Brush every tooth surface, including the inside, outside, and chewing areas.
- Use your toothbrush to clean your tongue.
- Keep a steady cleaning schedule with your family dentist at least twice annually.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Hygiene
Why should I change my toothbrush every three to four months?
A fresh toothbrush will have stiff, intact bristles that can sweep away food and plaque. If a toothbrush becomes worn, it does not have as much cleaning power. Change your electric toothbrush head more often than you change a manual toothbrush, being careful to observe signs of wear.
Why shouldn't I keep my toothbrush under a cap?
A toothbrush cap can prevent the bristles from drying out, allowing bacteria to grow. Most oral bacteria thrive in environments with low oxygen, so leaving the toothbrush in the open air is more likely to take care of germs. Keeping your toothbrush upright in a standing container is the best way to discourage bacterial growth.
Call Metrowest Prosthodontics
When you pay proper attention to your oral hygiene, including managing your toothbrush, you will be more likely to experience positive health outcomes. Keep your smile bright by maintaining and replacing your toothbrush as necessary.
If you have questions, please call our Framingham, MA, office at 508-620-6622 . We would gladly schedule an appointment for routine care or any procedures you may need.