Take Care of Your Teeth's Best Friend with the Help of Our Peoria Dentist!
While brushing your teeth every day is necessary, many people don’t think about their toothbrush after they’re finished. Thinking about where to store it, how to take care of it and when to replace it are all passing thoughts that aren’t dwelled on for too long. But our Peoria dentist wants patients to think carefully about their toothbrush care so they’re able to get the best brush and a better smile!
Before you place toothpaste on the bristles to brush your teeth, remember to thoroughly wash the bristles first. While it may sound silly, there can be a certain amount of bacteria that could cause harm to your oral health. Even though your mouth is filled with bacteria, a majority of them aren’t harmful, so if you brush your teeth with lingering bacteria from your bristles, it’ll be easy to damage your teeth and gums or get sick.
Storing your toothbrush in the proper place is also important. If you keep your toothbrush in a tight, closed space, you’re not allowing any air to circulate and dry. Covers for bristles are becoming more and more popular these days, but if you cover the head of your brush, you could be potentially trapping mold in since the lack of air flow can foster bacteria. If your toothbrush is near someone else’s, no matter if they’re family, make sure their bristles aren’t touching. Cross-contamination can also cause someone to get sick, even if you’re related.
It’s recommended to replace your toothbrush after three months of use. While it may not be visible, your toothbrush’s bristles are wearing down and not performing the best that they can. It’s mostly noticeable when the bristles begin to fray. Another time to replace your brush is after an illness, like a sinus infection or something like the flu. Any lingering bacteria from when you were ill could easily stick around and cause you to become sick once again.
If you have any questions about your toothbrush, replacing it, or taking care of it, contact our Peoria dentist by calling our office at (309) 688-7321 or clicking here to request an appointment or consultation.
