You may not always be aware of it, but your toothbrush is a haven for microbial bacteria that live and thrive within the bristles of your brush. Some of these bacterial organisms are healthy, but some can be viruses that cause infections, particularly if you have a sore or cut in your mouth that acts as an entry point. The bottom line is that, while we don’t need to buy a new toothbrush every two weeks, we need to keep our toothbrushes clean to ward off potential illness and infection, some of which can be very serious. Here are the steps you should take to make sure your toothbrush isn’t doing more harm than good:
1. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly every time that you brush your teeth, both at morning and night.
2. Purchase a toothbrush cleaner, perhaps with ultraviolet light to kill the bacteria.
3. Store it upright in a rack and away from other dirty parts of your bathroom.
5. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, particularly when the bristles start to wear or the indicator suggests a change.
6. Don’t ever share your toothbrush, please.
If you have any questions about your dental health or if you would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact our team or make an appointment. Our incredible staff will give you the best dental care possible.