
Your toothbrush takes care of your teeth. But in order for it to do that, you need to take care of your toothbrush!
First, realize that toothbrushes only last 3-4 months! They need to be replaced frequently, even if they look “fine.” You should get a new brush even sooner if the bristles on your old one look frayed or worn.
When buying a toothbrush, make sure it has the ADA Seal of Acceptance on the packaging. This label tells you that the product has undergone rigorous testing for both safety and effectiveness. This guarantees a quality product that will help your healthy habits.
When storing your new toothbrush, remember that the goal is to keep a clean brush. Store your toothbrush upright, to allow moisture to drain off and reduce the growth of bacteria. Store in an open-air area with great ventilation, for the same reasons. Store your brush away from other toothbrushes to reduce cross-contamination. If you must store it around other brushes, make sure the heads don’t touch.
Make sure that you are the only one who uses your toothbrush, and that you only use it for brushing your own teeth. Toothbrush sharing is extremely dangerous to your oral health, as it spreads not only food particles and debris, but also germs, infection, and disease.
Lastly, support your toothbrush’s hard work by visiting the dentist twice a year. This will make sure your teeth are clean and any problems are caught early. To schedule an appointment in the The Bronx, New York area, call Riverdale Dental Arts at 718-548-1148. Dr. Sheldon Kupferman and our team will be happy to see you!