Are You Practicing Good Toothbrush Care Habits?

Brushing your teeth is a vital step in effective removal of plaque and good oral hygiene. Proper toothbrush care and replacement is also needed to maintain sound care of your teeth. Why? Your toothbrush can potentially hold bacteria that can lead to infections within the mouth. The oral cavity holds thousands of microorganisms, many of which are transferred to your toothbrush while you are brushing your teeth. Since these bacterial organisms can become established within the brush, your toothbrush should be replaced about every three months.

In order to keep your brush in the best possible state for good oral hygiene there are several toothbrush care steps you should follow, including:

·         Consider rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse before you brush your teeth to reduce the amount of bacteria that could potentially accumulate on your bristles.

·         Keep your toothbrush for yourself and do not share it. Allowing someone else to use your brush can possibly lead to an exchange of microorganisms and put you at an increased risk of developing an oral infection.

·         Be sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after you have brushed your teeth to remove any toothpaste residue. Place your brush upright into a container so that it can dry properly. Keep it separated from any other brush that might be stored in the same container.

·         Keep your toothbrush uncovered in its container. Placing a cover over the container can create a moist environment that could enable an increase of bacterial growth.

·         Throw out your toothbrush every three months and replace it with a new one. The bristles can become worn, leaving the brush much less effective for removing plaque. This may decrease the amount of bacteria to which you are potentially exposed.

·         There is no need to soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial solution after use. In fact this could potentially cause cross-contamination if the solution is used by more than one person.

·         There is also no need to place your toothbrush into a dishwasher or microwave to disinfect the bristles. This procedure could potentially cause the bristles to break down and lose effectiveness prematurely.

·         When you purchase your new toothbrush be sure to choose one that properly fits your mouth. Make sure to pick the correct bristle structure for your teeth as well. If necessary, speak with your dentist about whether you need a soft, medium or hard bristle brush.

By following these simple toothbrush care steps, you will keep your teeth healthier and reduce the potential for developing oral infections.

Source: Are You Practicing Good Toothbrush Care Habits?