2 Mistakes To Avoid When Caring For Your Toothbrush
Posted on: 13 December 2018
When it comes to your oral hygiene routine, you may feel as though you are doing everything possible to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, if you are making the following mistakes while taking care of your toothbrush, you may be putting your overall dental health at risk.
1. Keeping Your Toothbrush Uncovered in the Bathroom
More than likely, you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom. After all, that is probably where you brush your teeth.
However, keeping your toothbrush in the bathroom may be exposing it—and by extension you—to fecal matter contamination. Even if you keep your toothbrush across the room, airborne matter can still rest on the bristles of your toothbrush.
Every time you brush your teeth, you are introducing the fecal matter in your mouth, along with any germs found in it. This then increases your risk of infection, not only in your mouth but also in your gastrointestinal system.
If possible, keep your toothbrush out of your bathroom altogether. However, if you feel as though you will forget to take your toothbrush with you, at least put a cover on it.
While the cover's exterior will still be exposed to fecal matter and germs, it is easier to clean then the bristles of your toothbrush. You can simply wipe it with alcohol once or twice a week to keep it sanitary.
2. Neglecting to Clean Out Your Toothbrush
Speaking of keeping the bristles clean, another mistake you may be making while taking care of your toothbrush is neglecting to clean it out after every use. You may believe that the toothpaste you use is sufficient to keep the bristles clean.
However, if food particles become trapped in the bristles, they plus the moisture create an ideal breeding ground for germs. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, you introduce new germs into your mouth.
After every brushing, at least rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with warm water to rinse away most of the food particles. However, pouring a little bit of antiseptic mouthwash on the bristles after you brush your teeth would be more effective, at it will not only kill any existing germs, but the residue can help keep more bacteria from growing.
Taking proper care of your toothbrush and avoiding the above mistakes can help you ensure optimal dental health. For more information on taking care of your toothbrush and other dental care tools, ask for guidance at your next appointment with your dentist.
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