Toothbrush is the primary tool to defend against a myriad of dental problems, including unsightly plaque, discolouration, and gum disease.
Brushing your teeth at least twice a day is the most important step for good oral health, but keeping your toothbrush clean is just as vital. After all, our mouth is home to hundreds of various microorganisms that can transfer onto toothbrush during each use.
Take a moment to consider how clean your toothbrush is: Did you sufficiently rinse it this morning? Is it properly stored? Could it be time for a new one? No matter how often or how thoroughly you brush, you’re not doing much good if your toothbrush isn’t clean and sanitary.
Here are 5 tips to keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible.
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Before and after each use, you should rinse your toothbrush under running water for at least 10 seconds while gently running a clean finger along the bristles. This habit will remove any remaining toothpaste or debris from the brush, ensuring the brush head is clean and sufficiently dry before the next use.
2. Ensure Proper Storage
If your toothbrush is stored in a container with another person’s brush, prevent cross-contamination by ensuring that the two brush heads do not come into contact with one another. Additionally, do not store your toothbrush in a cabinet or in any other closed area where the bristles cannot air-dry, as a moist environment is more conducive to bacterial growth.
We also recommend placing your toothbrush as far away from your toilet as possible. Potentially harmful bacteria from inside the toilet bowl can disperse throughout your bathroom each time you flush. Therefore, maintaining a distance of at least six feet between your toothbrush and toilet, as well as closing the lid while flushing, will help control the spread of germs.
3. Clean Your Hands
Your hands carry a majority of the germs and dirt that you encounter every day. To ensure these germs do not come into contact with your toothbrush, we suggest washing your hands with soap and warm water before even picking it up.
4. Replace It!
We strongly suggest replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or as soon as the bristles become visibly worn and frayed. Children’s toothbrushes need to be replaced more often, with the suggested lifespan of the brush averaging only two to three months.
5. Fight Germs with Deep Cleansing
Both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that there is insufficient evidence to advocate the use of commercially-available toothbrush sanitizers to avoid the spread of disease. However, while they may not prevent disease, they can help remove as much as 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush.
To perform the occasional deep cleansing, invest in a sanitizer that utilizes UV technology to eradicate almost all microorganisms on your brush in between uses, or soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth wash for several minutes. In the past, some have suggested that placing your toothbrush in the dishwasher or microwave will sanitize it; however, these methods will most likely cause permanent damage to your brush and will simply decrease its effectiveness.
Now that you know the best ways to keep your toothbrush clean and fresh, you can brush every day with confidence! Remember to do so each morning and night, and also be sure to schedule biannual check-ups with a high-quality dentist who can polish your pearly whites and keep your oral health in check.
Keeping Our Patients Safe:
Under the guidance of the BC Provincial Health, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC and the BC Dental Association, we have implemented strict new clinic standards and safety measures in order to help protect our patients and staff, which include:
- Pre-screening all patients for COVID-19 prior to accepting in-person appointments.
- Providing hand sanitizing stations and following strict hand hygiene protocols.
- Increasing the frequency of sanitization of high-touch areas and surfaces.
- Limiting the number of people in the clinic at one time and practicing physical distancing protocols.
The health & safety of our patients has always been our top priority. We encourage everyone to stay safe and to follow the directions of Health Canada and your local health authorities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us! Great thanks for your understanding and support!
Contact Family Care Dental Clinic for your consultation today!
Located in the heart of North Vancouver, BC, Family Care Dental Clinic is a group of passionate dentists and dental experts who are committed to providing patients with exceptional dental care in a modern and relaxing environment. We at Family Care Dental Clinic offer our clients a wide range of comprehensive dental services for the whole family.
Call (604) 987-3545 or write us at info@familycaredentalclinic.com to schedule an appointment with a member of our excellent team!
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