Knowing about toothbrushes can be very important when it comes to preventing plaque buildup and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. This article answers some questions you may have about using a toothbrush. Read on to discover more!
How often should you change your toothbrush?
How often you need to replace your toothbrush will depend on the type of toothbrush and how old it is. Advice from the Australian Dental Association suggests that you should consider replacing your toothbrush every 3 months. If you use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, you may need to replace it more often, depending on the brand. The bristles will have a limited lifetime and wear out. Wear causes the brush to become less effective at removing plaque from your teeth, even when you're brushing as hard as possible. If your toothbrush has visible damage, such as in the form of cracks or frayed bristles, you should replace it immediately.
Why shouldn't you share your toothbrush?
Although it may seem like a good idea, sharing your toothbrush with another person can lead to an increased risk of getting sick. For example, if you share your toothbrush with someone who has strep throat or the flu, you could get sick yourself. Another reason for not sharing your toothbrush is that you could accidentally pass on more serious viruses from your mouth to other people's mouths. These germs may include highly transmissible diseases such as hepatitis, herpes, or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which are highly contagious and can be transmitted via saliva.
Is it bad to store your toothbrush in a closed container?
It is not advisable to store your toothbrush in a closed container such as a cup, mug, or covered holder. This is because the moist environment created by the enclosed area can foster the growth of bacteria and fungi. Bacteria and fungi could have a negative impact on your dental health, leading to infections and disease.
How do you clean my toothbrush?
To remove germs, including bacteria and plaque, you should rinse your brush under running water after each use. You can also soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash overnight to ensure that your bristles are extra clean. After soaking, you should store it in an upright position and let your brush dry before using it again. You should not soak an electric or battery-operated toothbrush in mouthwash because the water may damage internal components.
Your dentist or dental hygienist will advise you on what kind of toothbrush is best suited for your dental needs. For more advice and information, contact them today.
Share22 November 2021
Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.
