Tips for Your Terrific Toothbrush!

You know that floss is your friend, and fluoride is a superhero – but what about your trusty toothbrush? It’s actually pretty terrific! There’s more to its greatness than your favorite movie character printed on the handle. This little tool has been keeping teeth clean, healthy, and shiny since it was first invented in 1938. But the idea of brushing teeth actually goes back thousands of years! Long before you could buy a Spiderman or Dora toothbrush, people were using bones, sticks, and even hog bristles to brush their teeth. It’s a good thing that today we have the terrific toothbrush to help us out!

Your toothbrush does a lot for you – but what are you doing for it? Consider these top tips to keep your toothbrush in tip-top shape!

  1. Give it a rinse: After you’ve used it to brush away debris and bacteria, be sure to give it a good rinse under running water to wash away the evidence. Doing so keeps your toothbrush clean and ready for action!
  2. Store it upright and in the open: You might want to lock your toothbrush away in a little cage of plastic to keep it germ-free, but bacteria love to grow in dark, moist environments. So you’re better off storing your toothbrush in an open container where the air can circulate (like a toothbrush holder, designated cup, etc.).
  3. That toothbrush has your name on it: Well, maybe it doesn’t literally have your name written on the handle, but remember- your terrific toothbrush is for your teeth only! Don’t let anyone use your toothbrush, and don’t use someone else’s. Toothbrushes are meant for one mouth only, and swapping brushes can also swap germs. Yuck!
  4. Time for a new one: We know it may seem sad to discard your trusty toothbrush after only a few months of use, but trust us- your teeth will thank you. After 3 or 4 months (maybe even less for kids), the bristles start to break down. If they’re looking even slightly worn, frayed, or matted- it’s time to pick out a new trusty toothbrush.

If you keep these tips in mind, you’ll have a terrific toothbrush keeping your teeth in top condition! When you come to Sunshine Smiles for your next visit, tell us all about your cool new design on your trusty toothbrush. And if you need a few tips on brushing, we are happy to give you some pointers to get the most out of your brushing routine!