Everyone knows the fact that the type of toothbrush used for brushing is as important as how often you brush your teeth. It is important to use a toothbrush with soft bristles that will not erode the enamel on your teeth.

Toothbrushes serve the purpose of keeping our mouths clean and germ-free. But in the process, if you don’t take care of them well, they often get very dirty.

American Dental Association (ADA) reports that toothbrushes can get contaminated in various ways. Since there’s no rule stating that toothbrushes should be sold in a sterile package, they may be coated in bacteria even when it is in the box. After you have brushed your teeth, microorganisms in your mouth can stick around on the toothbrush if you don’t clean it properly. If you store your toothbrush in a contaminated place, microorganisms from the environment may also find their way onto the bristles.

Given that the main purpose of toothbrushes is to improve oral hygiene and make your mouth and teeth germ-free, it is important to ensure that you are not exposing your mouths to even more bacteria by using contaminated toothbrushes.

Keep your toothbrush and your mouth germ-free and healthy with these simple tips.

• Rinse your toothbrush before and after brushing.

We often rinse our toothbrushes before brushing our teeth. But do you rinse them after brushing? Once you’ve used your toothbrush in your mouth for brushing for two minutes or more, it gets covered in bacteria, food debris, and other particles. If you don’t rinse these germs and food particles off your toothbrush after brushing, then you’ll end up putting them back into your mouth again the next time you brush. Therefore, it’s important to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly and properly after each use. If you rinse or soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash after each use, this will further reduce the number of microorganisms on your brush.

• Make sure your toothbrush can air dry.

Allowing your toothbrush to air dry is as important as rinsing it after each use. Moisture creates an amiable condition in which microorganisms can grow and thrive. Following these storage tips help avoid this issue:

• Always store your toothbrush in an open container in an upright position. This allows for plenty of ventilation.
• While storing more than one toothbrush, don’t allow the bristles of one toothbrush to touch other toothbrushes or the walls of its storage container to prevent the transfer of bacteria.
• To prevent your toothbrush storage container from becoming a breeding place for microorganisms, clean it once a week.

• Never share toothbrushes with anyone else.

Sharing a toothbrush with others exposes you to germs and microorganisms from their mouth, with which your mouth may not be familiar. This can put you at a higher risk for infection leading to many oral diseases.

• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

As per the American Dental Association, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months. However, it is recommended to replace the toothbrush more frequently if the bristles of the toothbrush appear frayed, discolored, matted, or bent. Further, if you’ve been sick, replace your toothbrush once you are back to good health. If you have a compromised immune system, replace your toothbrush more often to lessen the bacteria buildup to which you’re exposed.

Remember that with a bit of care and attention, and by following the tips mentioned above, your toothbrush will do what it does best: keep your mouth germ-free to ensure better oral health.

Want to know more about the tips to take care of your toothbrush and teeth? Call us at (801) 255-7101 or schedule an appointment to online to consult our dentist at Focus Dental Group, 6770 S 900 E Suite 301, Midvale, UT 84047.