Caring for Your Toothbrush Properly

Toothbrushing plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are also important considerations for sound oral hygiene. How do you look after your toothbrush?

– Germs on toothbrushes. They get germs from the following:

1- Toothbrushes may even have bacteria on them right out of the box since they are not required to be sold in a sterile package.

2- From the oral cavity.

3- From the environment.

Although studies have shown that various microorganisms can grow on toothbrushes after use, and other studies have examined various methods to reduce the level of these bacteria, there is insufficient clinical evidence to support that bacterial growth on toothbrushes will lead to specific adverse oral or systemic health effects.

General Recommendations for Toothbrush Care

1- Do not share toothbrushes.

If you are sharing, this means you are sharing body fluids and germs. If more than one brush is stored in the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated to prevent cross-contamination.

2- Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing.

The remaining tooth paste needs to be removed from the brush.

3- Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of microorganisms than the open air. Store the brush in an upright position if possible and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

4- Replace toothbrushes.

The bristles become frayed and worn with use and cleaning effectiveness will decrease. Toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. Check brushes often for this type of wear and replace them more frequently if needed. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing more frequently than adult brushes.

Conclusion:

Replace your tooth brush when the bristles get worn. Take care of your toothbrush.