Your toothbrush is a wonderful tool for ridding plaque and bacteria that collects on our teeth and in our mouth. A toothbrush works well with fluoride toothpaste to also keep our breath fresh. We brush our teeth faithfully everyday; it seems like second nature to do it. The toothbrush is a tool we cannot live without.
When it comes to our dental care, we rely so heavily on the toothbrush but what do we really know about this odd-shaped tool?
Here is an interesting fact about toothbrushes that you may not have known; the most popular color of toothbrushes is blue. The second most popular color is red.
Keep reading to find out more about your toothbrush:
1.The most important thing is to ensure the toothbrush you select has the ADA approved seal
These toothbrushes are efficient for the removal of plaque and bacteria.
2. Toothbrushes have been around for more than 4,000 years
Brushing teeth goes back to 4000 B.C. Ancient Hindu Indians frayed twigs to create fibers that worked as much the same way as the bristles on a toothbrush. The Babylonians, during the year 3500 B.C. brushed their teeth with tooth-sticks. Tooth-sticks were small sticks with frayed ends for cleaning teeth with.
3. The toothbrush was first invented for mass production in prison
A hundred years after toothbrushes were created in mass production in the U.S. they were already being made in England. Americans go through 25,000 toothbrushes in an average year; spending $850 million.
4. Your teeth do not prefer a toothbrush that is powered or manual
The first electric toothbrush was created in 1956 in Europe by the Squibb Company. Bruxodent manufactured the first electric toothbrush in the U.S in 1960.
5. Brush and floss your teeth daily–in whatever order you prefer, teeth don’t care.
Ensure you brush and floss your teeth every day for better oral health. When you clean the stuff between your teeth your are preventing plaque and bacteria build-up as well as bad breath.
6. A toothbrush prefers to be exposed to the open air
To prevent the growth of bacteria, store your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet. In addition, put the toilet lid down when flushing to avoid germs from being spewed through the air.
7. The natural life of a toothbrush is from three to four months
A toothbrush needs to be changed out when the bristles begin to show signs of fraying–usually every 120 to 160 days. Also, you should get rid of your toothbrush following a period of sickness once you have recuperated
8. It is always best to go a little soft when it comes to your toothbrush
It is better to use a soft bristled toothbrush because the harder bristled ones can cause damage to the gums.
9. The best rule is two and two–two minutes brushing, twice a day.
For the best oral health, this is a good rule of thumb.
10. It’s nice to share, just not when it comes to a toothbrush.
A toothbrush that is wet is capable of breeding literally billions of bacteria. For this reason, you should not put a cap on your toothbrush. This allows bacterial microbes to grow within the humid environment of the wet toothbrush under a cap.
Learning about dental care and health gives new meaning to your oral hygiene practices. Regular dental visits and teeth cleanings are always recommended and should be practiced in order to achieve optimal dental health as well as overall physical health.
Sedki Dentistry Commerce can help you achieve your smile goals beginning with answering your dental health questions and addressing your concerns.
Dr. Sedki and his staff have dedicated themselves to providing the highest quality dental care in a safe and comfortable environment. Our Commerce Twp dental office is the perfect place to meet all your dental needs and address all your concerns. Dr. Sedki uses the latest techniques and procedures in cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry including Children’s Dentistry. Call today for a Free dental consult and see why our dental clinic is the best choice in the area!