You know it’s important to brush your teeth if you’re hoping to stay healthy, but did you know that your toothbrush could be harboring a number of germs? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your mouth and toothbrush healthy and strong.
The first thing you should consider is placing your toothbrush in a dry, open area. Furthermore, please make sure the brush’s bristles aren’t touching anything and that your brush is standing straight up. Doing these things will keep germs and bacteria off your brush, since bacteria tends to grow in moist, damp places.
Similarly, as you’ve probably guessed, you’ll need to rinse your toothbrush after each use. Simply run it under water to remove excess toothpaste, food particles, and other bacteria from your brush’s bristles. Doing so will also help extend the life of your toothbrush.
On a similar note, please remember to keep your toothbrush to yourself. While sharing your brush may seem harmless—and even convenient—it can actually lead to a number of problems. You see, sharing your toothbrush could expose your mouth and body to bacteria, viruses, and even blood borne pathogens.
Still, even if you do all of these things like you should, please note that you should replace your toothpaste every few months. More specifically, you should probably replace your toothbrush once every three to four months. However, you may need a new brush even sooner if it shows signs of wear or if bristles fall off. Sadly, if your toothbrush is missing bristles, more bacteria will be able to grow in your mouth and you’ll struggle to keep your brush as clean as it should be.
If you have any questions or concerns about how you should clean your toothbrush, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 626-792-0448. Dr. Sean Ky and our team will be happy to help you in any way we can. We look forward to hearing from you.
