Your toothbrush is a huge part of taking care of your teeth. But in order for it to do its job, you need to take care of your toothbrush!
(1) Make sure that you are the only one who uses your toothbrush, and that you only use it for brushing your teeth. Toothbrush sharing is incredibly dangerous to your oral health, as it spreads not only food particles and debris, but also germs, infection, and disease. Don’t use your toothbrush to clean or to do anything other than brushing your own teeth.
(2) Realize that toothbrushes need to be replaced frequently, even if they look “fine.” They only last about 3-4 months! You should get a new brush even sooner if the bristles on your old one look frayed or worn out.
(3) When buying a toothbrush, make sure it is labeled with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This label tells you that the product has undergone thorough testing for both safety and effectiveness. This guarantees a quality product.
(4) When storing your new toothbrush, remember that the goal is to keep a clean brush. Store your toothbrush vertically, to allow moisture to drain off and reduce the bacterial growth rate. Store in an open-air area with great ventilation, for the similar reasons. Also, store your brush away from other toothbrushes to reduce cross-contamination. If you must store it around other brushes, make sure the heads don’t touch.
Lastly, support your hard work by visiting the dentist twice a year. This will make sure your teeth are clean and any potential problems are caught early. To schedule an appointment in the [city], [state] area, call [practice_name] at [phone]. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team will be happy to help you!