Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush has an important role in your life.

For two full minutes, twice a day, it works hard to wipe away bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease, scrub away surface stains, and freshen up your breath. Here are some ways you can keep your toothbrush as clean as possible:

Rinse: After every use, make sure to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush and remove all toothpaste and debris.

Store: Store your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet if possible, keeping it upright and uncovered. Covering it may encourage bacterial growth. If multiple toothbrushes are stored together, make sure that they don’t touch to prevent cross-contamination. If possible, let your toothbrush completely air dry between uses.

Soak: Soaking your toothbrush in mouthwash for 20 minutes after each use will help to eliminate bacterial contamination on the bristles. Also, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash before brushing can help reduce the amount of bacteria that ends up on your toothbrush.

Replace: You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or as soon as the bristles become frayed. Frayed and worn bristles reduce the effectiveness of your toothbrush. Keep an eye on kids toothbrushes, as they tend to need to be replaced more often.

Don’t share: Never share your toothbrush with anyone else. The exchange of body fluids and microorganisms can put you at an increased risk of infection.

Sources:

• http://www.ada.org/en/about-the-ada/ada-positions-policies-and-statements/statement-on-toothbrush-care-cleaning-storage-and-#One
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7614433