Introduction

We all use toothbrushes to take care of our teeth, but what are we doing to take care of our toothbrushes? Our toothbrushes must remain in good condition so they can do their job of keeping our teeth healthy.

When you go to the dentist, you often are taught how to brush and floss your teeth as well as how often. What you don’t hear as much is how to take care of your toothbrush so that it can do its job, protecting your teeth.

Keeping your toothbrush in good condition is essential for good dental hygiene. Here’s how you can make sure your toothbrush gets the job done!

Properly caring for your toothbrush is almost a no-brainer. But how exactly do you maintain your toothbrush? We hear of different methods — including a few common myths — about improving a toothbrush’s lifespan and cleanliness.

Here are some myths about the cleaning of toothbrushes

• Myth: You need to boil or disinfect your toothbrush.
• Myth: Brushing harder cleans your teeth more efficiently.
• Myth: Checking your toothbrush’s bristles to know when to change your toothbrush.

Cleaning your toothbrush

Running your toothbrush under water and giving it a good shake won’t do much to eliminate all the germs you just brushed off your teeth. Especially if you’ve recently battled the flu or a cold. Luckily, there are a few ways to deep-clean your toothbrush.

Boiling the bristles for a few minutes will kill any germs on them. You can also soak the brush in mouthwash. You can also sanitize it by placing it in the silverware rack of the dishwasher and running it without detergent.

Toothbrush storage Dos and Don’ts

Do you store your toothbrush with the bristles on the counter or shelf, in a brush cover, or near your toilet? Don’t! Bacteria need warmth and moisture to multiply and spread, and flushing your toilet can send microscopic contaminants all over your bathroom.

The best way to keep bacteria from growing on your brush is to store it upright somewhere it can air out. It’s also a good idea to keep it well away from your toilet, and always put the lid down before flushing.

When to replace your toothbrush

Getting used to a new toothbrush can feel weird. The bristles don’t feel the same, the shape is different, and the handle isn’t the same in your hand. But if we want our teeth to get the proper cleaning they deserve, this brief transition period is more than worth it.

If the bristles on your brush are getting bent, worn, or frayed, it’s time for a new one, mainly if they’re sticking out the wrong way because that won’t do your teeth any good.

Bristles need to be straight to reach all the places they should. Just as important: have they become discolored? You don’t want to brush your teeth with stained, dirty bristles.

In conclusion

Remember you have to brush for two minutes daily and always replace your brush every two months.

If you have any dental-related cases visit us at any of our locations.

Victoria Island: 8b Fabac Close, Off Ligali Ayorinde St, Victoria Island, Lagos

Ikorodu: 91B Lagos Road, Lagos Internal Revenue Tax Office, beside Access Bank, Haruna Bus Stop, Ikorodu

Isolo: 116, Rolas Shopping Complex, Opposite Total Filling Station Isolo General Hospital Bus-Stop, Isolo Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos