Your toothbrush is your most powerful weapon for a healthy mouth! Whether you use a manual or electric version, your toothbrush is responsible for clearing away food debris, plaque and bacteria twice per day. Without your toothbrush, you’d be susceptible to oral health conditions ranging from bad breath and cavities to gum disease, infections and even tooth loss.

Now that we’ve established the importance of your toothbrush, what are you doing to take care of it? Keeping your toothbrush in good condition and free of germs is critical if you want it to do its job. Here are five proper care and maintenance tips for your toothbrush to ensure your toothbrush is not doing more harm than good.

#1 Rinse and Clean
Your toothbrush comes in close contact with the germs and food particles in your mouth. When you are finished brushing, it is important to rinse your toothbrush bristles thoroughly. It is also recommended that you give your toothbrush a deep cleaning periodically using boiling water or mouthwash.

#2 Store Upright and Uncovered
When you have rinsed your toothbrush, do your best to store it upright in a container instead of laying it down on the sink so that it can dry properly. It is important that you avoid capping your toothbrush or keeping it in a closed container, as this allows your toothbrush to become a dark and damp place for bacteria to thrive.

#3 Store at a Safe Distance
Did you know that storing your toothbrush closer than six feet from your toilet can allow airborne germs and particles to travel to your bristles? Not only should your toothbrush be stored away from your toilet, but it is also important to store it away from other family member’s toothbrushes to avoid germ sharing.

#4 Avoid Sharing
Sharing your toothbrush with another person (even a family member) means you are also sharing their germs and other microorganisms from their mouth. In fact, you can even transmit the bacteria that causes decay and sickness.

#5 Replace Your Brush
Your toothbrush has a definite lifespan. It needs to be replaced with a new one every 3 months or when you see the bristles are fraying. You may also need to purchase a new brush after you’ve been sick.

At Soft Touch Dentistry, we realize the remarkable benefit of caring for your toothbrush, as it is the most valuable oral hygiene tool you have when you are away from the dental office. To learn more oral care tips at home or to schedule your next routine dental checkup, please call our office today.