The Importance of a Well-Cared-For Toothbrush

By Wright Smiles

Its job is to help you care for your teeth by thoroughly cleaning them whenever you use it. However, if you don’t take proper care of your toothbrush when you aren’t using it, then it will not be able to perform its duties, and your dental health may still be at risk. Besides changing your toothbrush for a new one every three months, you should also know how to properly clean the bristles, and how to store the toothbrush to avoid contaminating it.

Tips for Better Toothbrush Care

Clean the bristles before cleaning your teeth—Each time you pick up your toothbrush, rinse it off with warm water before applying toothpaste and brushing your teeth. Even if you take steps to store and clean it correctly, your brush can collect bacteria and debris in the interim between brushings.

Clean the bristles after cleaning your teeth—After you’ve brushed your teeth, it is important to thoroughly rinse the bristles of the plaque and food particles that it has collected. Otherwise, they can linger and fester, and you can spread them over your teeth again the next time you use the toothbrush.

Isolate your toothbrush—When you’re getting ready in the morning, or preparing to rest after a long, tiring day, you might not think much about where you place your toothbrush when you’re finished with it. For optimal cleanliness, store your brush as far away from the shower and toilet as possible to avoid cross-contamination from showering and using the bathroom.

Let the bristles breathe—Though you should isolate the toothbrush’s placement, you should not seal the brush off, especially when it is still moist from brushing your teeth. Enclosing the wet brush in a sealed holder can facilitate bacteria and mold buildup on the brush and its bristles. Instead, store it in an open holder, or leave the bristles part of the holder open to let them breathe.

ABOUT YOUR SOUTHLAKE FAMILY DENTISTS:

As a native Texan, Gregory Wright, DDS, opened his private practice in Southlake, TX in 1992. He and Dr. Victoria Heron are happily accepting new patients from Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, Trophy Club, Colleyville, and all surrounding communities. To learn more, call our office today at (817) 481-7999.