3 Ways to Take Care of Your Toothbrush

When it comes to caring for your toothbrush, most people don’t give it much thought at all. However, a few small things can significantly improve the longevity and effectiveness of your toothbrush.

Below we’ll look at some simple steps you can start doing today to help care for your toothbrush and in the process, have a healthier smile.

Is Caring For Your Toothbrush Important?

Yes. A toothbrush that is worn or improperly cared for can end up causing issues. Remember, the goal of brushing your teeth is to keep them clean, so a brush that’s not doing its job is not helping to keep your smile healthy.

Rinse Your Toothbrush After Every Use

After using your toothbrush, it is important to always rinse it well under warm water. By doing this, you remove any particles that may be stuck within the bristles of the brush.

This also keeps bacteria from forming in the brush. Small leftover particles can be a breeding ground for bacteria when left on the brush. A good rinse under running warm water helps prevent this from happening.

Once rinsed, shake off excess water and store the toothbrush bristle-side up and in an open cup. Make sure not to seal the toothbrush in any type of container or drawer until fully dry.

Occasionally Disinfect Your Toothbrush

Even with proper care, bacteria can form on your toothbrush, and you don’t want that getting into your mouth or gums.

A good idea is to occasionally disinfect your toothbrush by soaking it in a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Mix a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide with a cup of water, then allow the toothbrush to soak in for up to 15 minutes.

Afterward, make sure to rinse the toothbrush under warm water to remove any remaining solution.

An alternative to hydrogen peroxide is to use an antiseptic mouthwash that you may already have on hand. Simply pour a small amount into a cup and let it sit for 15 minutes.

Once again, rinse off any excess mouthwash when finished, then store the toothbrush as you normally would.

Replace When Worn

Despite the best care, a toothbrush does wear out over time. Generally, they will last about three months under normal use.

When a toothbrush has worn out, the bristles no longer have the necessary rigidity to properly clean the surfaces of the teeth. This means the effectiveness of the brushing significantly declines as the brush wears.

Replacing your toothbrush also helps prevent bacteria from building up over time, so if your brush is older than three months, make sure to replace it.Ultimate Dentistry provides full-service cosmetic, general, and sedation dentistry, and their caring and professional staff can help answer any dental questions you may have.