While a lot of literature is out there about the best toothbrushes to use and the best technique, not as much exists about how to properly care for your toothbrush when you’re not using it.
How you treat your toothbrush every day is going to be a huge factor in how effective it is at your dental hygiene and even how your next dental visit goes.
You may be surprised to find some of your common habits around your toothbrush are actually bad for the overall hygiene of not only your mouth but your bathroom as a whole. Diligent rinsing and storing of your toothbrush are both key steps but common tactics might be doing more harm than good.
Below are some common mistakes you may be making with your toothbrush. Do you see any of your habits below?
Laying It Flat
Laying your toothbrush flat on the counter or any service when you’re done brushing your teeth is a bad move. Any water that did not come off will pool beneath the brush, causing residue to sit on the brush and also encouraging bacteria to hang out near your toothbrush. Vertical holders are more sanitary for any residual water.
Storing Close to the Toilet
This one is a bit gross. If you’ve got a small bathroom and are forced to store your brush close to the toilet, a powerful flush could fling toilet water dangerously close to your toothbrush. Experts agree that somewhere between 2.7 feet and 6 feet away from the toilet is the optimal place to keep your toothbrush stored.
Hiding It in a Cabinet
For the same reason keeping your toothbrush horizontal can cause a problem, hiding it in a cabinet can also be bad for bacteria growth. Keeping a wet and improperly dried toothbrush in a dark, cooler place could encourage dampness and cause bacteria to fester.
Related Questions
Can I Disinfect My Toothbrush?
Yes. While you don’t want to hit it with soap or any other external disinfectant, most mouthwashes are disinfectants and antibacterial by design. After rinsing your toothbrush you can give it a rinse in some disinfectant mouthwash to ensure the bacteria from your mouth dies.
When Should I Get a New Toothbrush?
As a rule, the ADA recommends no toothbrush be used for longer than a few months or be replaced when the bristles start to fray and bend as they’re less effective and likely not doing much to help you at that point.
Our Commerce Dental Clinic is committed to the longevity of a healthy mouth and smile and properly caring for your toothbrush is a great place to start. While it may be alarming to learn how unsanitary your toothbrush habits are, there are steps you can take to keep it clean and keep your dental hygiene as perfect as possible.
Regular dental checkups go hand in hand with good daily oral health practices. So when it’s time to visit the dentist, Sedki Dentistry can meet all your dental health needs and concerns. With over 18 years’ experience in improving smiles, Dr. Sedki offers the latest technology in modern dentistry with a personalized experience in cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, children’s dentistry and more! Call and schedule a Free Dental Consultation today!