Toothbrush Maintenance Basics Everyone Should Know
When you think about what it takes to keep teeth clean and healthy, brushing them is likely at the top of the list. You know it’s important for teeth to be brushed twice a day for two minutes each time. That helps keep them clean and free of plaque that leads to dental decay. Do you know how to take care of your toothbrush though?
Clean It
You use your toothbrush to clean your teeth, but how good of a job can something do at cleaning if the thing itself isn’t clean? It’s a good idea to clean toothbrushes at least once a week to get rid of the bacteria that they’ve removed from your mouth. There are a few different ways to do this. You can soak it in an antimicrobial mouthwash for 30 seconds, soak it in vinegar, or mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda with a cup of water to make a soaking solution. Just make sure to rinse the toothbrush well afterwards to remove any mouthwash, vinegar, or baking soda from the bristles. Of course, you should always rinse your toothbrush off under running water after each time it gets used too.
Store It
How do you store your toothbrush? Can it dry thoroughly between uses? If not, your toothbrush may start to smell funny and could start growing bacteria. Store toothbrushes correctly by making sure they are kept upright and are able to dry completely. Don’t use toothbrush covers, since they can make it harder for a toothbrush to dry properly. Make sure you keep them away from your toilet as well. You don’t want any droplets from the toilet to make it to a toothbrush.
Replace It
Toothbrushes aren’t meant to last for months and months. Conventional wisdom suggests that they should be replaced every 3-4 months or when they begin to wear out, whichever happens sooner. Old toothbrushes with bent, frayed bristles or missing bristles aren’t able to clean your teeth as thoroughly. It’s also best to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. That will help you avoid reinfecting yourself after you’ve recovered.
If you want to take good care of your teeth, you need to do more than just keep up on brushing them.. Make sure you know how to clean and store your toothbrush, as well as when to replace it. Take the time to take good care of your toothbrush so your toothbrush can take good care of your teeth.
Toothbrushes can help you keep your teeth healthy and clean. So can visiting Maccaro Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry for an appointment with Dr. Maccaro. Click here to contact us to make an appointment today.
