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5 More Things to Know About Your Toothbrush
- Toothbrushes should be left out in the open. It is not difficult to clean your toothbrush. Rinse it after brushing with tap water and then remove any remaining toothpaste or debris. Store the brush standing upright to allow it to air dry. If you store near other tooth brushes, do your best to make sure they are separated to prevent contamination between them. Unless you are traveling, try not to store them in closed containers. A moist environment is more favorable to bacterial growth.
- The lifespan of a toothbrush is only 3-4 months. Many people only replace their brushes (or brush heads for electric toothbrushes) when they see the dentist for their cleaning and exam. That is usually every 6 months. A toothbrush that is worn or frayed is less effective. You should also replace your toothbrush after you have been sick to prevent cross contamination.
- When choosing a toothbrush, always go soft. It doesn’t matter if you use a manual or electric toothbrush, you should not pick a brush with firm or medium strength bristles. A firm toothbrush can damage your gums or tooth. Remember: you only need to scrub hard enough to clean the film off of your teeth. Let the fluoride toothpaste do the rest. This can save you a lot of time and money in the future.
- 2 minutes, 2 times a day. If you take the time to brush your teeth with correct technique and for the right amount of time, you will see a big improvement. Think of this time as an investment in your smile and a way to save yourself money in the long run.
- Don’t share your toothbrush. Sharing a brush can lead to sharing germs and bacteria. This is one situation where sharing isn’t a good thing to practice or preach.
