Along with replacing your toothbrush every few months, it is also important to keep your toothbrush clean. It can’t properly clean your teeth and gums if it’s full of bacteria and gunk. A toothbrush’s job is to remove bacteria, plaque and food particles from the teeth and gums, but inevitably some of that material ends up staying behind on the brush itself. The moist environment of the bristles do not help, and allow these bacteria to fester. This is why it is essential to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, but also why it is a good idea to keep your toothbrush clean. Keep your toothbrush clean and in prime working condition by following these simple steps:
- After every use, thoroughly rinse the toothbrush
- Dry off the toothbrush to prevent the moist environment that grows bacteria
- Store toothbrush where it can air dry, do not put the toothbrush into a container while wet
- If you are sick, soak the toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide after using, continuing to use the same toothbrush used while sick, without cleaning it, can actually prolong your sickness
- Wash your hands before brushing teeth and always after going to the bathroom
Keeping your toothbrush clean is one of the easiest, and yet often overlooked, ways to ensure good oral health. By cleaning your toothbrush, you prevent the cycle of spreading bacteria and help keep your toothbrush and mouth as clean as possible.
