You take care of a lot of things in your life. But are you taking care of your toothbrush? Caring for your toothbrush is vital for making sure your brushing habits are actually effective.
First, make sure you have the right kind of toothbrush. You should have a toothbrush that holds the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is given to products that have passed the American Dental Association’s rigorous tests for both safety and effectiveness. The Seal cannot be purchased; it must be earned. This ensures that you are getting a product that does what it says it does. In this case, it is a toothbrush that is designed to be as effective as possible.
Second, make sure you are rotating your toothbrush out regularly. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months–sooner if the brushes seem worn or frayed, or if your toothbrush becomes contaminated.
Toothbrushes can become contaminated in a variety of ways. To avoid this, follow a few simple guidelines. Ideally, don’t store your toothbrush around other toothbrushes. If you must store it around other brushes, make sure the heads don’t touch, as this leads to cross-contamination and the spread of bacteria. Also, never share your toothbrush. Sharing toothbrushes is extremely dangerous to your oral health, as it spreads bacteria, food particles, disease, and infection. If your toothbrush gets contaminated, replace it immediately and get a new one.
Finally, make sure to support your toothbrush’s efforts by scheduling regular dental appointments and professional cleanings. If you are in the Portland, Oregon area, be sure to call Cowles Dental Care at 503-255-1506 to schedule your next visit. Dr. Lee J. Cowles, DMD and our team will be happy to help!
