Caring For Your Toothbrush - All That You Need To Know

When we talk about oral hygiene, we are referring to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The mouth is the gateway to our entire body and where we eat and drink. Our teeth help us in everyday activities such as chewing and biting. When food particles and plaque are not removed, they can lead to several dental problems like tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. A toothbrush is the most effective tool for oral hygiene that effectively removes plaque and tartar from our teeth. So, it is important to ensure that you take good care of your toothbrush. Read our blog to learn toothbrush care techniques. 

What is a toothbrush?

A toothbrush is a device that was designed to help remove plaque and tartar from teeth. 

What does a toothbrush do?

Your toothbrush cleans your teeth. It scrubs away the sticky substance that clings to your teeth called plaque, thus protecting our teeth from several dental issues. It can do this because each toothbrush head has thousands of tiny bristles that contour to the shape of your teeth.

How to care for your toothbrush?

• Store your toothbrush properly

In general, it’s a good idea to keep your toothbrush in an upright position.

If you store your toothbrush in a wet environment – like in a medicine cabinet or the shower – it can cause your toothbrush to warp and bend. This is because water causes your toothbrush to expand in size.

When toothbrush bristles become bent, they may not clean your teeth as well. This could actually cause damage to your teeth and gums.

Also, keep your toothbrush away from other bathroom items. It can be tempting to store your toothbrush with your toothpaste and floss, but this can cause cross-contamination.

We recommend putting your toothbrush in a small cup or toothbrush holder that has its own lid to store it. This will help prevent your toothbrush from touching other bathroom items.

• Replace your toothbrush regularly

The bristles on a toothbrush become worn with use, so it’s important to replace your toothbrush regularly. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or as soon as the bristles start to look frayed or worn.

• Rinse your toothbrush after use

After brushing your teeth, rinse the toothbrush with tap water to remove toothpaste and debris. Then, place the toothbrush in an upright position so it can dry completely. Leaving a wet toothbrush in a closed container can increase the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath.

If you want to learn more about toothbrush care, contact Dental Arts of Boston at (617) 266-0441 today to book an appointment with Boston Dentist. Our team can offer guidance and make product recommendations for your unique smile.