The bristles on your toothbrush become old. When this happens, they don’t clean your teeth as well as they should which leaves you at risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and plaque build-up. A fresh new toothbrush ensures that your teeth stay as clean and healthy as possible.
“The right time to replace your toothbrush”
Most people forget to change their toothbrushes when it’s time which puts them at risk because frayed bristles are less effective in removing plaque and food debris around the teeth.
Most dentists recommend switching to a new toothbrush every three months. However, if your toothbrush show signs of frayed or flattened bristles that extend beyond the width of the base you should buy a new toothbrush sooner. You should also check for cleanliness. If you don’t rinse your toothbrush properly, toothpaste residue can build up at the base of the bristles or along with the handle. This gunk can likely trap bacteria and make you sick. Also, keep in mind that you’re brushing vigorously if your toothbrush is starting to look the worse for wear long before the three-month mark. This bad habit can damage the enamel layer of your teeth and your gums, therefore, start brushing in small, gentle circles with light pressure.
You should also think about throwing away everyone in the family’s toothbrush if someone in the household is sick since cold and flu germs can survive on a toothbrush for up to three days. If you keep your toothbrush in a cup next to the rest of the family’s toothbrushes, you can pass germs along.
“How to sanitize your toothbrush and store it properly”
While your mouth is left much cleaner after a thorough brushing, your toothbrush now carries the germs from your mouth. Moreover, Your toothbrush is probably in your bathroom, where bacteria can linger in the air.
There are many methods of cleaning your toothbrush between uses. for example:
1)Running it over hot water before and after every use
This is the most basic go-to method of disinfecting your toothbrush. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings. For most people, clean, hot water is sufficient to sterilize a toothbrush between uses.
2)Soaking it in antibacterial mouthwash
Let your toothbrush sit, head down, in a small cup of mouthwash for around 2 minutes after each brushing.
Keep in mind that doing this method may wear out your toothbrush quicker, as these mouthwashes usually contain brutal ingredients that make bristles cease to function.
3)Denture cleaner
Denture cleanser is made up of antimicrobial ingredients that target bacteria and plaque that grow in your mouth. Dissolve half a cleansing tablet in a cup of water and for 90 seconds dip your toothbrush in it. Don’t reuse denture cleansers!
Crucial tips to keep your toothbrush clean:
•Avoid storing toothbrushes side by side because it can cause bacterial cross-contamination among the bristles.
•Keep it away from the toilet because flushing spreads harmful bacteria all over the surfaces in your bathroom, your toothbrush included.
•Use clean toothbrush covers and holders as their keep bacteria away.
