As a part of your everyday oral care routine, you use a toothbrush to keep the plaque and bacteria off your teeth, gums, and tongue. As it is such an important tool for your oral health, you should maintain your toothbrush properly if you want it to do its job right.
Keep reading to learn more about the tips our experienced team at Above and Beyond Dentistry in Lawrenceville, Georgia, recommends for properly maintaining your toothbrush.
How to Maintain Toothbrush Hygiene?
Here are a few easy steps to ensure your toothbrush is clean and germ-free:
- Rinse Your Toothbrush
It is essential to rinse your toothbrush after a brushing session. The best way to do this is to run hot water over it after each use. For deep cleaning, soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash.
If you are using an electric toothbrush, clean it the same way. Just make sure that you disconnect it from its base.
- Keep It Dry
Your toothbrush is likely stored in your bathroom. The air in bathrooms is moist and this fosters bacterial growth. To avoid contamination, shake off any excess water from the toothbrush after using it.
Use a toothbrush holder that will keep it vertically and exposed to air to prevent bacterial growth. If you store multiple brushes together, keep them at least 2-3 inches apart.
- Never Share Your Toothbrush
Toothbrushes should never be shared, even with family members. You don’t want to get exposed to the bacteria and germs from someone else’s mouth. This increases the risk of contamination and oral diseases.
- Keep It Away From the Toilet
Flushing the toilet results in what’s known as a ‘toilet plume’. This dispersion spreads harmful bacteria over your bathroom surfaces and it can also reach your toothbrush. To prevent this, store your toothbrush in a closed cabinet. If you don’t have a cabinet, make sure that your brush is kept far away from the toilet.
- Replace Your Brush Often
With prolonged use, your toothbrush bristles wear down making it ineffective for cleaning. If the bristles break, they can even scratch your gums and cause infections. We advise that you replace your brush every 90-120 days.
If you have just recovered from the flu or a cold, it is even more important to replace your brush. This prevents the viruses from making you sick again.