Tooth Brush Care Do’s And Don’ts – How it can help you improve your oral health

Do you take your toothbrush for granted? Unfortunately many people do even though it is a powerful tool that helps combat gum disease. Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to toothbrush care and how it can help you improve your oral health.
 

Do’s 

When should you replace your toothbrush?

There is no set rule on how often you should replace your brushes. However a good guideline is to replace your toothbrush when the bristles start to bend or fray. When the bristles are damged the toothbrush looses its effciency. There are a few cercumstances that could cause your bristles to fray rapidly. For instance, orthodontic patients may notice more wear and tear on thier bristles. Children also tend to wear down their brushes quickly because they chew on it. When a toothbrush wears down too quickly with out a specific cause it could be a sign of an underlying dental issue. If you have any concerns about how quickly your bristles are fraying it would be a good idea to contact your dentist and set up an appointment. 

How do you care for your toothbrush? 

According to the (ODA) Ontario Dental Association rinsing your toothbrush with tap water after brushing and allowing it to air dry gets rid of bacteria that die when exposed to air. You can also store your toothbrush upright so it can drain and air dry faster. Keep in mind that you should allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before packing it away for a vacation.

Don’ts

What habits will damage your toothbrush? 

There are a few things you could be doing that can damage your toothbrush and your oral health. Sharing toothbrushes is something you should avoid because it could spread germs and bacteria that cause tooth decay. Do not place your toothbrush in a small container for long periods of time because moisture encourages bacteria to grow which is a big no-no for your oral health. Finally consider where you store your toothbrush in your bathroom. Keeping your toothbrush near the toilet can cause germs that go airborne after flushing to wind up on your bristled friend. Yuck! 

Are you caring for your toothbrush properly? 

Download this checklist for some Do’s and definite Don’ts of toothbrush care.