Toothbrush smoothbrush. What’s the big deal? So, you use this little item to scrub your teeth a couple times each day. How important can stuff like how long to keep a toothbrush be?
Very important.
So, your friends at Gentle Dental are going to give you a little class called Toothbrush 101.
Taking care of your toothbrush
To make your toothbrush healthy for you and it, be sure you let it dry fully between uses. Why is this important? Toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for germs, fungus, and bacteria, which continue to build up to levels that you don’t even want to know. Letting your toothbrush dry out, kills most of those germs. When you’re finished brushing, let tap water run through the bristles, then store the toothbrush in an upright position so that the air can dry it out.
Believe it or not, cold and flu viruses can jump from one toothbrush to another, if they’re touching while in the drawer. A toothbrush holder will keep them separate.
How often to change your toothbrush?
Some people keep using their toothbrush until the bristles are flattened like a halibut. Bad idea. The team at Gentle Dental advises that you change your toothbrush every three months. Studies have shown that after three months of normal use, toothbrushes are no longer nearly as effective at removing plaque. The bristles bend and break down, losing their effectiveness when getting into the tough spots.
Just getting over a cold, the flu, or a mouth infection? Change your toothbrush because the germs can lurk down in the bristles leading to reinfection.
How long should I brush?
It can seem like an eternity at first, but you really need to brush twice daily for two full minutes. If you want to make it easier, think just 30 seconds for each quarter. If you want to fill out that time, make sure to brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, the pockets down along your upper gums. Two minutes.
Have more questions about basic oral hygiene? Call us at Gentle Dental, (732) 549-5660 and we’ll answer all of your questions.
