Your toothbrushing habit is great! Two times a day, for two minutes each time. Great job. Now let’s talk about how you take care of your toothbrush. Your toothbrushing is only effective if your toothbrush is clean!
First, make sure you are storing your toothbrush properly. When you are done using your toothbrush, make sure you store it upright and in a well-ventilated area. This helps the moisture to drain off and reduces the bacterial growth present on your toothbrush.
It should be stored away from other toothbrushes. However, we understand that sometimes space constraints mean toothbrushes will be stored in close proximity. If this is the case at your house, make sure the toothbrush heads don’t touch. The heads touching leads to cross-contamination. There are a plethora of things that could contaminate your toothbrush. If in doubt, throw it away and get a new one.
One thing that should be discussed is toothbrush-sharing. Don’t do it. Period. Sharing your toothbrush with someone else–or using someone else’s toothbrush–is extremely dangerous to your oral health. It spreads food particles seen and unseen, as well as other debris, bacteria, disease, and infection. If anyone else uses your toothbrush, throw it away immediately.
For more information about taking care of your toothbrush, call Bellaire Dental Excellence in Fort Worth, Texas, at 817-294-5513. Â Dr. Kevin M. Altieri and our team look forward to helping your smile shine!