Many people are acutely aware of their breath and the appearance of their teeth and may brush their teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, but far fewer think about the cleanliness of their toothbrush. It is easy to think a quick rinse under the tap is all that is needed to keep a toothbrush fresh and hygienic, but the reality isn’t quite as straightforward.
Far from being a clean environment, your mouth is host to hundreds of strains of bacteria. Each time you brush your teeth, bacteria are transferred from your mouth onto your toothbrush. If your toothbrush is pretty dirty, it can be home to millions of bacteria. Usually, these bacteria are harmless and are found naturally in your body. However, a toothbrush can also harbour fungi and viruses, and most toothbrushes have more than one microorganism thriving in the bristles.
Another potential problem is where your toothbrush is stored, which is in the bathroom for most people, and it can be quite close to the toilet. Every time you flush, it sends up a plume of bacteria that can land on your toothbrush if it’s nearby. Make sure you close the lid before flushing and especially if the bathroom is shared with others.
Making Sure You Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
After using a toothbrush in Courtice, it’s essential to clean it to remove excess toothpaste and any loose food particles. There are several ways you can clean a toothbrush between uses, and one of the most basic is to run hot water over the toothbrush head before and after using it. The water should be hot enough to be steaming.
Another way is to soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash, but this may wear out the toothbrush more quickly by causing the bristles to break down faster. If you choose to do this, place your toothbrush head down in a small cup of mouthwash, leaving it there for about two minutes after you brush your teeth. Yet another option is to use a denture cleanser, which contains antimicrobial ingredients that attack plaque bacteria that grow in the mouth, by dissolving half a tablet in a cup of water and dipping your brush in the water for about a minute and a half. However, it’s important not to reuse any denture cleaner that’s already been used on a denture.
What about UV Toothbrush Sanitizers?
It is possible to purchase UV or ultraviolet products to sanitize toothbrushes, which can be very effective. However, purchasing a UV sanitizer may be expensive and shouldn’t be necessary. If you use an electric toothbrush in Newcastle, some brands include a UV sanitizer in the kit.
Keeping a Toothbrush Clean after Use
Once your toothbrush is clean, it’s important to store it correctly. If you live with other people, make sure each toothbrush is stored in an upright position at least a couple of inches apart, and the bristles do not touch. Damp toothbrush bristles are ideal for bacteria to thrive, so if toothbrushes touch each other, then bacteria can be transferred from one to another. Air must circulate freely around the toothbrush until it is dried.
When to Change Your Toothbrush?
Generally, you need to replace your toothbrush in Clarington or toothbrush head every three months or sooner if the bristles start to look worn or displayed. It’s also worth changing your toothbrush if you have shared it with someone else, as there is no way to disinfect the toothbrush properly.
If you aren’t sure which toothbrush is best, you can always ask us for advice when visiting West Bowmanville Family Dental.
