The Status of Your Toothbrush: Are You Taking Care of It?

We trust our toothbrushes to fight off plaque and to prevent bacteria from growing in our mouths. We trust them to make our teeth sparkle and to leave our teeth feel squeaky clean. But despite all that we trust our toothbrush to do, what do we do for it? At California Dental Group, we are always quick to stress how important home oral care is but we don’t always make a point of stressing the importance of taking care of your tooth brush.

Things not to do with your toothbrush

First of all, don’t keep your toothbrush stored in a cool, dark place. When you put it in a cupboard or other container that results in a moist, enclosed environment, you’re creating the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Remember that they love dark, wet conditions that have poor circulation. Don’t give it the them.

Don’t ever share your toothbrush. It’s not that common for adults to share their toothbrushes with other adults but they are known to share their toothbrush with a child. Remember that anytime you let someone use your toothbrush, you’re both putting yourself at risk of getting bacteria from them and putting them at risk of getting bacteria from you. This could lead to tooth decay and even gum disease.

Finally, don’t keep your toothbrush next to the toilet. In fact, you want to keep it as far away as possible, but it should be at least six feet away. Way? Because there are airborne particles that come out of our toilet. You should also always flush with the toilet down to prevent these particles from moving further than they need to.

How to treat your toothbrush

You should replace your toothbrush at least every four months, though we generally recommend every three months. If you see that the bristles have become frayed then it’s definitely time to replace it. Replacing it regularly helps ensure that it’s up to the task of cleaning your teeth and that bacteria isn’t building up in your toothbrush. You should also replace it after you’ve been sick or had a cold to avoid the risk or re-infecting yourself.

Every time you use your toothbrush, you should rinse it off with water. This will get rid of any debris and will help flush out any bacteria. For a more thorough cleaning, swish it around in a cup of mouthwash. Once you’ve cleaned it, store it upright out in the open. This lets it dry out, which can prevent mold and other nasties from growing.

There’s no substitute for regular dental

Taking care of your toothbrush is an important part of an overall dental plan but remember that it’s not enough on its own. You also need to visit California Dental Group at least every six months. Call us today at (800) 407-0161 to set up your appointment.