The fact that the typical toothbrush harbors over 700 different species of bacteria shocks most people. Diseases can begin on the bristles of toothbrushes worldwide, where fungi, viruses, and other microscopic microbes thrive.
Think about the harmful physical condition of your toothbrush if the concept of bacteria living on it is not enough to make you want to improve your oral hygiene practice. Your brush’s bristles have spread and fanned out over time. You can get help from a dentist in Downtown Chicago to learn more.
How frequently you should change your toothbrush depends on its condition and the level of risk posed by oral bacteria.
From what sources are bacteria colonizing your toothbrush?
Your mouth is the primary contributor to the bacterial load on your toothbrush. Regular brushing removes plaque, leftover food, and bacteria that can cause bad breath. There is bound to be some bacteria on your toothbrush, especially considering that most people do not wash it with soap or bleach after each use. Think about the best spot for your toothbrush and keep it there.
How Often Must a Toothbrush Be Replaced?
The remedy is not to wash your teeth less frequently because of the bacteria on toothbrushes. That would inevitably lead to a wide range of other unpleasant tooth problems. The answer is to replace your toothbrush often.
- Proper Brush Maintenance
Most people do not think a toothbrush needs any special treatment. However, dentists insist that you should take the time to do the following:
- Rinse
First, ensure you rinse your toothbrush under the faucet after each use. It is a good idea to rinse your toothbrush after each use to remove any toothpaste, food particles, or saliva that may have accumulated on it.
- Keep away from moisture.
After cleaning your toothbrush under running water, store it upright so it may dry entirely before putting it away. The phrase “air dry” is critical here. Every time you use it, your toothbrush must be dry.
It is time to break the practice of storing your toothbrush in a sealed container after each usage. The accumulation of microorganisms in such a container can be avoided. You should not even put your toothbrush in a closed container when traveling. Instead, consider picking up some inexpensive disposable brushes when away from home.
- Watch Where You Put It!
Because of its proximity to the bathroom facilities, your toothbrush is a prime breeding ground for bacteria. If you wet your brush with water from either of those, bacteria and other pathogens may spread. As a result, you should keep your brush out of water like that by putting it in a suitable storage container.
- Save a couple of extras.
You should pick up several extra toothbrushes or heads as you shop online or in-store. Having a backup brush on hand can be a lifesaver in unforeseen circumstances.
English