Thursday, September 26, 2013

Do You Know How to Care for Your Toothbrush?

Total SmileCare in Beverly Hills, CA
How Do You Care For Your Toothbrush?
You brush your teeth at least twice a day and even floss at night before going to bed. You are practicing proper dental hygiene right? Not quite yet. You are forgetting an important aspect of dental hygiene, caring for your toothbrushes. If you are not replacing your brushes at least every 3-4 months, you could be exposing your mouth to harmful bacteria. This bacteria could come from your own mouth as well as the environment that your toothbrush is stored.

After Brushing

Always rinse your toothbrush with warm water and let it thoroughly dry. Try to keep other toothbrushes separate from yours or at the very least, facing away from one another. It is very important that you leave toothbrushes free to dry and avoid covering them, as that is how mold and bacteria grow, in dark, damp places. 

Watch for Wear and Tear


Watch your brushes very closely for wear and tear. Typical use will cause most brushes to last between 3 and 4 months. If you brush harder than normal or more often, you might have to replace your brushes sooner. Simply check the bristles to see if they look worn down. If you do not replace them, they will not effectively clean your teeth, leaving you at risk for debris, bacteria and plaque. In addition, if you become ill, you should replace your toothbrushes when you are well again, to avoid contaminating yourself with the germs once again. 

For more dental health information, visit our website at www.drpalani.com.