Four ways to take care of your toothbrush

Four ways to take care of your toothbrush

It’s important to keep your toothbrush clean for the sake of your oral health.

If you are committed to proper oral hygiene, you should be using your toothbrush at least twice a day. But you might be unaware that with such frequent use, your toothbrush may be home to a range of microbial organisms. In fact, research suggests that certain viruses and bacteria can survive for weeks on a toothbrush after an illness, while even healthy microorganisms can lead to infections if they penetrate the gum tissue. For these reasons, it is important that you keep your toothbrush clean — read on to learn how to best take care of yours…

1.  Wash it properly

You may think that running your toothbrush under water is enough, but to really keep it clean, it is advisable that you rinse it thoroughly after each use. This will help to get rid of food particles and other debris after you have cleaned your teeth. If you have been sick, you might consider soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash to remove bacteria from the bristles. You can even run it through the dishwasher from time to time, or try a deep clean with a specially formulated sanitiser.

2.  Store it carefully

When you are finished using your toothbrush, you shouldn’t simply place it back into a cabinet or bathroom cup. It’s important that you store it upright so that it can dry out properly between uses. Don’t place it in a container that is completely sealed as this prevents air from circulating and can lead to the growth of mould and bacteria.

3.  Replace it often

Even if you have chosen a good-quality product from a reputable brand, the reality is that toothbrushes are not made to last forever. Most dentists will recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months, but if you notice wear and tear or fayed bristles before this, it’s definitely time to let go. Even electric toothbrush heads need to be replaced as soon as the bristles start to show signs of wear — signs of damage are an indication that the bristles are no longer cleaning your teeth as well as they should.

4.  Don’t share with others

Your toothbrush should be yours, and yours alone. No matter how close you are to a family member, you should never share your toothbrush. This is because saliva and bacteria can be transferred on the bristles — this includes the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay, which is actually considered an infectious disease. Make sure that everyone in your household has their own toothbrush and sticks to it. When storing toothbrushes, make sure that the heads don’t touch each other either and that there is ample space between them for thorough drying.

How can we help?

At The Smile Speciality Dental Group, we love to help our patients take care of their oral health and maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life. Our team is available to answer any questions that you have, and will provide you with all the information you need to keep your teeth and gums in good condition. If you have a particular concern related to your oral health, we encourage you to come in and see us.

We encourage all of our patients to come in and see us every six months for a routine check-up and clean. Even if you practice proper oral hygiene habits every day, it is beneficial to have your teeth professionally cleaned regularly. These appointments also give us the opportunity to identify and resolve any issues before they become more complicated.

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, including preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry. To find out more about our services, please have a look here.

To book an appointment to see us, please contact us here or give us a call on 07 3889 3324.