You use your toothbrush several times a day, you depend on it to keep your teeth clean and healthy, but do you ever take care of it? You put this object in your mouth, so keeping it clean and sanitized is essential. Traveling can make this even trickier. Let’s take a look at how to care for your toothbrush so that it can care for your teeth.
Storage
According to the American Dental Association, your toothbrush should be stored upright at home, not touching anything else. A thorough rinse after you use it is all that’s needed to keep it sanitized. As long as your toothbrush has time to dry before the next use, any germs or bacteria will die off naturally. Bacteria thrive in damp environments, so keeping it dry is vital to keeping the germs away.
Cleaning
If you’re worried about germs, or if you or your child have a compromised immune system and need to take extra precautions, you can clean your toothbrush daily. Hydrogen peroxide makes a perfect cleaning agent for a toothbrush. Soak the head of your brush in a cup with hydrogen peroxide or at least 15 minutes and rinse before use. You can also use antibacterial mouthwash to soak if you prefer.
Traveling
Instead of keeping your toothbrush in a traveling case or bag when you’re away from home, make sure you take it out and leave it out on a sink or countertop. Keeping it wet can encourage bacteria to grow, so be sure to rinse and dry between uses, just like at home.
Replacing
Even the cleanest toothbrush experiences wear and tear. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months to maintain oral health. You should also change out your toothbrush or electric brush head after any sickness or serious cold or flu.
Using these simple tips will help your toothbrush stay clean and sanitized so your teeth can get the thorough cleaning they need. For any questions about taking care of your toothbrush or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Zola Makrauer or Dr. Julie Miller at Huntingdon Valley Dental Arts.