You would never doubt the importance of regularly brushing your teeth (right?!), but how much attention do you give to your toothbrush itself?
Your toothbrush is actually your first line of defense against cavities, gum disease, and other serious dental problems. By properly cleaning, storing, and replacing your toothbrush, you can encourage long lasting oral hygiene and protect your radiant smile.
How to Clean Your Toothbrush
Though your toothbrush is responsible for removing bacteria from your teeth, it isn’t shielded from accumulating germs of its own. Make sure you take the following steps to keep your toothbrush clean:
- Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing
- Set your toothbrush vertically after brushing to help it drain and dry
- Never pack away or cover a wet toothbrush since the moisture will cause the growth of microorganisms
As long as you follow these simple steps, your toothbrush will not become a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria, and germs that can make you sick or threaten your oral health.
How to Replace Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush won’t last forever. Your dentist in Bentonville recommends a toothbrush change every three months, since this is when toothbrush bristles start to break down and become inefficient. Even normal wear and tear makes it harder for your toothbrush to remove plaque from your mouth.
It’s also important to replace your toothbrush after an illness. A cold, the flu, a mouth infection, or a sore throat are all reasons to swap your toothbrushes. This reduces your risk of infection and prevents the spread of sickness.
Other Important Toothbrush Tips
Make sure you look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when purchasing a new toothbrush. The ADA Seal of Acceptance indicates that a toothbrush meets the criteria set forth by the American Dental Association for toothbrush safety and efficacy. The Oral-B Indicator ContourClean Toothbrush, PRO-SYS Tapered Toothbrush, and REACH Advanced Design Toothbrush are all ADA-approved.
For more help caring for your toothbrush and maintaining your oral health, visit Bentonville Smiles in Bentonville, AR. Contact our team to learn more about our extraordinary and comprehensive dentistry services offered.