How To Take Care Of Your Toothbrush

Most people don't give their toothbrushes too much thought. It seems like a common item that after using it, they simply put it away until the next time.

But there are a few easy steps you can take to help not only make your toothbrush healthier, but make it last longer as well.

So below we'll look at 3 ways to help take care of your toothbrush.

Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean

This seems simple enough, but there are a few extra steps you can take to keep your toothbrush as clean as possible.

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly

When you're finished brushing your teeth, make sure to rinse the toothbrush thoroughly under warm water. This helps remove any residue from the toothpaste as well as any particles that are trapped in the bristles of the toothbrush

Disinfect your toothbrush

Every so often, it's a good idea to disinfect your toothbrush. Bacteria can form due to the moisture that is often trapped in the bristles after use.

One method is to mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of water. Then swirl your toothbrush in this mixture for 30 seconds. Afterward, thoroughly rinse the brush under warm water to remove any of the solution left over.

This will help deep clean your brush and remove harmful bacteria that may be forming.

Store your toothbrush properly

Storing your toothbrush properly is also important when it comes to caring for your toothbrush.

For starters, shake off as much water and moisture as possible when finished rinsing the brush. The less moisture, the less chance of bacteria forming.

Next, always make sure to store your toothbrush upright after use. Ideally, you want to store it in a cup with the top half of the toothbrush exposed to the air.

This aids in drying and allows excess moisture to evaporate into the environment.

Avoid storing your toothbrush in a drawer or cabinet. This can hamper the evaporative process and allows moisture to linger on the brush for much longer.

Don't Brush Too Hard

Brushing too hard is not only harmful to your teeth and gums, but it is bad for your toothbrush as well. Using too much force while brushing will cause the brush to wear out prematurely.

It can also lead to the ends of the bristles fraying. This makes the toothbrush less effective. Also, these frayed ends become traps for tiny particles and debris.

So make sure to always use gentle pressure when brushing your teeth. Your teeth, gums, and toothbrush will all be happier for doing so.

Replace Your Toothbrush When Needed

Despite taking the best care of your toothbrush, they will need replacement eventually. Most dentists recommend that changing your toothbrush every 3 months is ideal. Beyond this, the toothbrush is no longer as effective and may contain bacteria.

By following the tips above, you should be able to keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape without much extra effort. If you have any other questions about your dental care, contact us at 516-931-3999.

Whether you need regular dental checkups or more advanced dental procedures, Dr. Steven Ricco can help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.