Tips for toothbrush maintenance

Never cover toothbrush

Gum diseases are caused by bacteria that prefer an oxygen-free environment to grow and by covering the brush, we are inviting those bacteria to grow and flourish. So, if you are keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, remove it and keep it in an open and dry place.{{more}}

It is important that you wash your brush properly both before and after cleaning your teeth. toothbrushes should be washed properly with hot water. Use thumb to move the bristles in a to and fro motion under the tap containing warm water.

Use a proper tooth-brush holder

Never keep the brush with bristles in a downward position. Keep it in an upright position. This will help the water to drain from bristles and will thus keep your brush dry. Also keep the brush in holder which is open at the bottom or has pores to drain out stored water. Avoid collection of any water or froth in the tooth brush holder. Also wash the holder once a week.

Keep a note that the bristles of all the tooth-brushes don’t touch one another. This will prevent cross-contamination.

Change toothbrushes regularly – every three to four months.

Anti-bacterial wash

Though there are many sanitizers available, they have more detrimental effects then benefits. So, you can soak your tooth-brush in diluted anti-bacterial mouthwash for over 10 minutes. This is a good at-home technique of toothbrush disinfection.

Another method is to dip your toothbrush in a solution of water, mixed with baking soda or one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.

Store toothbrush away from toilet seat

No matter how clean your toilet seat is, it is a storehouse for bacteria. So, it is advised to keep your toothbrush at least four feet away from the toilet seat.

Change the brush if you have recovered from illness

The number of bacteria increases in your body when you are ill or have a cold. Change your tooth-brush or disinfect it, using an antibacterial mouthwash after you have recovered from your illness. Using the same old toothbrush will encourage a disease cycle.

Dr Keith John

email:drkeithjohn@gmail.com

Clinic: SVG Dental Corporation

Telephone: 784-456-2220

Cell: 784-526-0752