Your toothbrush is probably the central object of your morning and nightly routine. You’ve used one as long as you can remember and how you’ve cared for it all these years is good enough, right? Maybe not. Let’s go through the steps you should be following when it comes to toothbrush care and replacement.
Where you store your toothbrush is one of the most important aspects of brush care. Keep your toothbrush dry and in a cool place. Rinse your brush thoroughly and let it air dry after you’ve brushed, placing it away from other oft-used restroom objects like makeup and the toilet. Store your brush upright, bristles up, and separate two or more brushes from touching if you’re storing the whole family’s together. Avoid covering it with a travel cover or locked in a container, especially when it’s still wet. This can harbor bacteria.
You may even want to soak your brush in an antibacterial rinse or mouthwash ever so often to make sure it’s as clean as you want your mouth to be after brushing.
One great rule is to avoid sharing your toothbrush. Not only will new or different bacteria be introduced to your mouth but it could be an issue of health if the other person has an infectious disease.
Remember to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months and more often if you’ve noticed the bristles softening/breaking or if you’ve been sick. Children’s brushes may need to be replaced more often.
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