Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean

The mighty toothbrush: no matter which kind you and your family equip yourselves with, there’s no denying its importance. But how well are you really cleaning your brushes? You might think that just throwing them away every few weeks is enough, but the truth is that even after just one use, there are things that you can do to keep it clean. Here are our best tips to protect the tool that protects your teeth:

Do not share toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush could result in an exchange of body fluids or microorganisms between the users, which could place you or your loved one at an increased risk for infections. If someone in your family has a compromised immune system or existing infectious diseases, this is especially important to avoid.

Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Then, make sure you store your toothbrush in an upright position if it is possible. Giving your brush the chance to air-dry is best.

Do not completely or regularly cover your toothbrushes, or store them in closed containers. Keeping them in a moist environment, like a closed container, will allow for microorganisms to grow. They’re far more likely to do so while in a closed container than they would with fresh air.

Replace toothbrushes at least every three to four months. This is the most obvious one, but it is also the most important! Depending on the user, the bristles will become frayed and wear out more or less rapidly. So long as you keep an eye on your toothbrush and check for wear, you’ll know when to replace them. Keep in mind that children’s toothbrushes typically need to be replaced more frequently than an adult one.

Without proper toothbrush maintenance, you and your family could risk exposure to some seriously nasty stuff. By following these tips, you’ll be keep you and your children safe. They’ll be thanking you for it down the line!