|  | Dental Health | Teeth Cleaning

Toothbrush Safety

The mouth is one of the dirtiest parts of the human body. Hundreds of microorganisms, good and bad, inhabit your mouth on a daily basis. These germs are transmitted to your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Knowing how to properly store and clean your toothbrush helps to keep diseases and infections at bay.

  1. Choosing the Right Toothbrush

    • Toothbrush safety starts when choosing a brush. Whether you select an electric, battery-operated or manual toothbrush, opt for soft bristles. Hard bristles can damage protective tooth enamel and, when you brush vigorously, may make your gums bleed. Look for a toothbrush with the seal of approval from the American Dental Association (ADA), because this assures that the bristles have safe rounded tips, and that the brush effectively removes plaque. If you brush vigorously, a manual toothbrush is your best choice because it is easier to control.

    Cleaning Your Toothbrush

    • Clean your toothbrush after each brushing. Rinse it under lukewarm running water to help keep food particles, germs and debris at a minimum. If you use an electric or battery-operated brush, turn on the unit and hold the moving head under running water. Once a week, give your toothbrush a thorough cleaning. Mix equal amounts of water and hydrogen peroxide in a cup. Stir the liquid with your toothbrush while pointing the bristles downward. Soak your brush up to five minutes in the liquid to eliminate germs. Use a commercial toothbrush sanitizer as an alternative.

    Proper Toothbrush Storage

    • After brushing and cleaning your toothbrush, allow it to air-dry in an upright position. Laying your brush on the sink stimulates germ multiplication. Every time you flush the toilet, droplets containing bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella are released into the air. To keep these from contaminating your toothbrush, store it inside a cabinet. If you buy two toothbrushes, you can use one while the other dries. Family members must keep their toothbrushes separated because touching brushes can transmit germs to each other.

    Replacing Your Toothbrush

    • There are many different theories on when to replace your toothbrush. Because everyone brushes their teeth in a different manner, damage to the bristles differs. Look at the condition of your toothbrush bristles. If they appear frayed, replace your toothbrush, because damaged bristles are a breathing ground for germs and don't effectively clean your teeth. When in doubt, replace your brush at least every three months. Also, never share your toothbrush. The other person may contaminate your brush with their germs, which can spread disease.

Teeth Cleaning - Related Articles