Q&A: How To Care For Your Toothbrush

Among the many things you may wish to bring up during your visits with us, do you have questions about keeping your toothbrush clean? Don’t be embarrassed! This is a very common area of concern that directly affects your oral health. If your brush is too old or becomes dirty, you will certainly not reap the same benefits with your dental hygiene as you would with a clean, fresh brush. Let’s highlight the important details through a friendly question-and-answer session.

Questions and Answers: Brush Cleanliness

Question: How do I know if my toothbrush is clean enough? What if there are bacteria on it that I cannot see?

Answer: There’s nothing wrong with having some bacteria on your toothbrush – it is inevitable. Remember, you have bacteria in your mouth, too! The only problem occurs if you care for your brush poorly. Fortunately, cleaning it is easy – place the head of the brush beneath the running water in your sink. Rinse it until the bristles appear clean.

Question: Should I just leave my toothbrush out on my countertop? Should I place it in some sort of cosmetic bag?

Answer: This dental hygiene instrument is best maintained when it is allowed to air out completely after use. This is a key factor in limiting bacterial growth – let it dry and you’re good. Keep it moist, and you may have a problem. The best choice is to find a way to keep your brush out in the open and upright. Use a brush holder or a cup when possible.

Question: Some of my friends place their toothbrushes head-down in mouthwash or find other ways to “disinfect” the bristles. Should I do this occasionally?

Answer: It is completely unnecessary. If you are rinsing your toothbrush and storing it appropriately, this dental hygiene instrument will perform effectively. Just remember to replace it with a new one every three months or so.