One of the most important steps in maintaining good oral health is having a clean toothbrush. Toothbrushes are an integral part of our daily life; hence it is an onus on us to take good care of them for our own benefits. A toothbrush can easily become contaminated with several oral microbial organisms and bacteria such as Staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts, and gastrointestinal bacteria.
Viruses and microorganisms from an infected person’s mouth can live for weeks on the surface of the toothbrush. These microorganisms can cause tooth cavity, jaw pain, or infections via gums at the time of an injury or oral ulceration. Hence it becomes really important for you to take care of your toothbrush on a regular basis.
Studies have shown that various microorganisms can grow on toothbrushes during their use. They generally become contaminated with microorganisms, blood, saliva, oral detritus, and dentifrice. Even after getting rinsed with water, and visibly clean, most of the time they remain contaminated with the harmful germs. Contaminated brushes are often a reservoir for the transmission of germs conjointly as an offer for the introduction of germs from infected to non-infected tissues.
Most of the people think that toothbrush only need a wash with water and that is enough. But it is a big misconception.
10 Simple Ways to Take Care of Your Toothbrush
Here are some easy ways to take care of your toothbrush:
1) Keep it Clean
Our mouth is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms and all these bacteria and microbes can stick to your toothbrush after brushing your teeth. You may not have given much thought to cleaning your brush since you are using it every day to scrub your teeth. However, it’s important and easy to do. Give your brush an intensive rinse with tap water to get rid of rubble. Make sure you are not leaving any toothpaste or debris in the head of the brush. Microorganisms that accumulate on the toothbrush holder are transmitted to the brush and then to your mouth. It’s notably necessary to scrub your holder often. Wash your toothbrush holder in a cup of soap and water.
If you have a systemic illness or immune disorder, try deeper cleansing and also change your brush more frequently.
2) Keep it Dry
The wetter your toothbrush, the more hospitable and atmosphere it will be for microorganisms. If water stays on your toothbrush, it becomes stale and attracts bacteria and you would obviously don’t want to brush your teeth after with it. Your brush ought to air dry when use to limit microorganism growth.
3) Dipping Your Toothbrush in Hydrogen Peroxide
Each time you buy a toothbrush, dip it in hydrogen peroxide to remove all types of the presence of bacteria on it before starting to use it.
4) Try Deep Cleaning
There are several toothbrush sanitizers available in the market which you can try. Some use ultraviolet radiation to kill microorganisms. You can also use antibacterial agents to cut back the growth of micro-organisms.
5) Store it Properly
Once your toothbrush has done its job, where do you store it? Have you ever thought that the way you store your toothbrush can really make a huge difference to your oral health?
After use, don’t let your wet toothbrush suffocate in your cabinet, drawer, or restroom cup, rather keep it at a place where it has access to good air circulation. Rather store it upright in a holder and let the gravity do its job. Storing your toothbrush in the upright position in a holder will allow the water to drain away from the head of the brush.
Also, ensure that your toothbrush is not nearby to the household cleaners if you have in the bathroom to avoid any close contact with harsh and toxic ingredients.
6) Allow Your Toothbrush Bristles to Breathe
Let your toothbrush have enough space to breathe properly. If more than one brush is kept within the same holder or space, keep the brushes separated to prevent cross-contamination.
7) Keep it Away From the Rest Room
Each time you flush the restroom, microorganism shoots out in the air. We are sure you would not want the restroom spray anywhere close to your unprotected brush. It is always wise to keep your toothbrush at least three feet away from your washroom. A few studies have explained the potential spread of infection caused due to aerosol contamination of surfaces after flushing a toilet.
8) Know When to Call it Quits
You should know when to let your toothbrush go. Replace it every three to four months, or once it has started showing signs of wear and tear. If you have been sick or caught flu it becomes more important to replace your toothbrush to avoid any chances of getting contaminated with the infection again. Frayed bristles will not be able to clean your teeth properly. Hence, check them regularly to make sure they keep their form in order and are able to clean your teeth effectively.
This rule applies to all types of toothbrushes. Treat the electrical or power models the same way you handle a traditional one. Chuck the brush attachment once the bristles begin to indicate signs of wear and tear.
9) An Eye on Kids
Kids’ toothbrushes may have to get replaced more frequently as compared to adults, as they have usually not learned the best way to take care of their toothbrush and its usage on teeth.
10) No Sharing
Do you share your toothbrush with your family member or your roommate? Strictly avoid this. Sharing might lead to an exchange of body fluids and/or microorganisms between the users, placing the individuals involved at an increased risk for infections.
I am sure, these tips would not only help you take care of your toothbrush without any hassles but also keep your teeth and smile healthy and beautiful. Apart from this, visit a dentist on a regular basis for dental cleaning which can reduce the bacteria residing inside your mouth.
