Everyday we use our toothbrushes, but how often do we take the time to care for them properly? Keeping your toothbrush in great condition is a major factor in ensuring that your teeth and gums are being cleaned well.
Ways to Clean
Many people are not aware that you should be cleaning your toothbrush as you use it daily. Bacteria and other microorganisms get trapped within the bristles every time you brush and from being stored in the bathroom. A simple way to sanitize your toothbrush is by running it over hot water before and after you brush. An alternative to this is to invest into a toothbrush sanitizer. Another option is to let your toothbrush sit in antibacterial mouthwash for about 2 minutes.
Store it Right
It is key for your toothbrush to be stored well, being that it is used in a vulnerable part of the body. Most people store their toothbrushes in the bathroom, leaving it exposed to fungi and viruses as mentioned previously. When used in these conditions, this can lead to tooth decay over time or cause illness. Keep your toothbrush at least three feet from the toilet and make sure it stands up right.
Out With the Old
The lifetime of a toothbrush can vary, but a general timeframe to replace it is around 3 to 4 months. It is also recommended to change your toothbrush once the bristles are beginning to wear out. After it gets to that point, the effectiveness of the bristles are reduced. When they are bent, they are not able to clean teeth sufficiently. This applies to both electric and manual toothbrushes.
For Your Information
If you or a family member have been sick, (COVID-19, cold, flu, or any other sickness that is transferable) it is recommended to get a new toothbrush especially if your brushes are kept in the same area. This protects you from the spread of germs and becoming ill. Another thing to note: DO NOT share your toothbrush! Not only is it unsanitary, but this also can lead to the transmission of sickness as outlined above.
While we may not realize it, our toothbrush plays an important role in our oral health. Taking care of your toothbrush is essential for keeping your smile bright in between your visits to Dental Made Easy! We hope to see you soon!
Your Dental Health
When it comes to your health, trust in the dentists at Dental Made Easy. Dental Made Easy has the best dental practices in New York City and we are open on Sundays as well as late evenings. All of our dental offices are open and accepting new patients at this time. We are rated among the top dental practices in New York, NY with numerous 5 star reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook. For a teeth cleaning or exam, we recommend calling or booking an appointment online with one of our talented dental professionals. All new patients may also take advantage of our $149 Cleaning Special that includes an exam and x-rays of our Free Dental Implant Consultation Special.
To set up your appointment give us a call at (844) 979-EASY (3279). We have offices in Rego Park, East Flatbush and Floral Park. Walk-ins welcomed, we take emergencies and we are open on late nights to accommodate patients with a busy schedule. We hope to see you soon!
