4 Tips on Properly Caring for Your Toothbrush

The way that you store and care for your toothbrush can impact your oral health. Many of us don’t think twice about how we’re storing and sanitizing our toothbrush, but it’s something we should pay more attention to! Making sure your toothbrush is clean and disinfected will decrease the number of bacteria in your mouth.

Properly Caring for and Storing Your Toothbrush

Below are 4 tips on how to properly care for and store your toothbrush:

• Rinse your brush after each use – After brushing your teeth, run your toothbrush under hot water. This removes food particles, bacteria, and leftover toothpaste from the brush.
• Soak your brush in mouthwash – Evidence suggests that soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash for a few minutes after brushing your teeth can reduce the number of bacteria on the toothbrush.
• Switch out your brush regularly – You should be replacing your toothbrush every 3-4 months or once you notice the bristles fraying. It’s also smart to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold or the flu to avoid reintroducing the germs.
• Avoid sharing your toothbrush – This one may seem obvious, but some people do share toothbrushes, especially children. This allows the bacteria from one mouth to spread to another, increasing the chances of tooth decay and dental cavities. Each member of the family needs his or her own toothbrush.

The above tips are simple ways to make a big impact on your oral hygiene routine. In order to have a healthy mouth, it’s important that your toothbrush is clean and properly taken care of. Use common sense when storing your toothbrush and avoid exposing it to germs and bacteria.

Caring for your toothbrush will keep both your teeth and gums healthy. If you’re concerned about gum disease, please contact Coastal Periodontics here in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.