We have few relationships more intimate than with our toothbrush. Think about it, you put this instrument in your mouth at least twice a day, take it with you on long trips, and may even carry it with you throughout the day if you’re a loyal coffee/tea drinker. Your toothbrush is a loyal companion that helps take care of your oral health, but have you ever thought about what you could do to take care of it? Here are four ways you can show your toothbrush (and your oral health) some love:
Switch It Up Dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles begin to fray. A worn toothbrush is not as effective at removing plaque and bacteria. It also won’t be as comfortable to use!
Keep It Clean Make sure you thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after every use. Any buildup on the brush can cause bacteria to spread.
Out of Sight Your toothbrush should ideally be stored upright when not in use. Also, if possible it should be placed in a cabinet or storage unit so that it is not exposed to germs in the bathroom. If you keep a plastic cover on your toothbrush, make sure the brush is fully dried before capping or you can get caps that have holes in them to let the brush breathe. A wet toothbrush in a closed environment becomes a petri dish that can harbor bacteria.
Keep It to Yourself While it might be obvious not to share toothbrushes, you also don’t want to keep your brush near others. Storing brushes too close where they might accidentally touch will easily spread germs among housemates.
Now that you know the basics…
Has it been 6 months or more since your last dental checkup? Check out UNC Dentistry to register for an appointment. The school offers competitive pricing for those without dental insurance.
Take a break Coloring has been found to reduce stress! Check out this awesome toothbrush coloring page and take a minute to chill out.
Information compiled from the American Dentistry Association.
UNC Healthy Heels 