Part of good oral hygiene means that people need to see their family dentists for routine cleanings and check ups, but what matters even more is taking good care of teeth right in the home. If you don’t take care of what you use to help clean your teeth, this can be counter productive and actually cause more health problems than it is helpful. The best dental care starts with a good toothbrush, and here are three tips for helping you keep a clean one.
Store them carefully
Something that people don’t typically think about when it comes to their toothbrushes is that they can harbor a wealth of bacteria and organisms. This is something that you put in your mouth every single day, and hopefully more than once, so you should be making sure that it stays as clean as possible. Bathrooms are already humid areas that are conducive to the growth of mold, and a human mouth can be full of bacteria. Make sure you store your toothbrush out in the open and standing up rather than laying down.
Rinse thoroughly
Even if a toothbrush is stored well, if it isn’t rinsed well after brushing it can house bacteria and bits of old food. Make sure that when you finish brushing you rinse your toothbrush very thoroughly with warm or hot water. This will remove any traces of toothpaste as well as debris and bacteria which will leave it clean for your next use.
Replace them often
This is another thing that people forget about when it comes to caring for their toothbrushes. They need to be replaced much more often than you’re probably doing it. Some people only end up replacing their toothbrush when they go to their local dentist which is usually only twice a year; however, according to the American Dental Association, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months.
Are you guilty of any of these toothbrush care mistakes? Let us know in the comments!
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