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Tips For Storing And Replacing Your Toothbrush

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Most people take the time to brush their teeth each day because they know that this is a great way to keep cavities away and have fresher breath, but did you know that there are right and wrong ways for storing your toothbrush? Additionally, you may not realize that there are also rules for replacing your toothbrush. Here are a few things you should know about storing and replacing this important oral tool that you own.

The best ways to store a toothbrush

Your toothbrush is something you place in your mouth each day to remove the bacteria, food, and plaque from your teeth. Because a toothbrush serves a dirty role, it will contain a lot of germs. If you want to keep germs away from your toothbrush so that you are not putting a dirty tool in your mouth each day, the best thing you could do is let your toothbrush air out after each use.

What this means is that you should avoid placing your toothbrush inside anything that might prevent it from airing out. This includes toothbrush holders, plastic bags, and medicine cabinets. Instead, place it upright in a cup and let it dry out with air. This will help reduce the bacteria on your toothbrush.

The best times to replace your toothbrush

To get the most out of brushing, you should make sure you are always using a toothbrush that is in good condition. If you brush your teeth twice each day, a normal toothbrush will last for around three months. After three months, it may lose its effectiveness, simply because the bristles on the brush might be worn down. Because of this, you should plan on replacing your toothbrush every three months.

In addition to this, you should make a habit of replacing your toothbrush after being sick too. If you get the flu, for example, and brush your teeth with your toothbrush, your toothbrush will be full of flu germs. When you get over the flu, would you want to expose yourself to these flu germs once again? Probably not, which is why you should make sure you replace your toothbrush after you experience any type of illness like this.

Taking time to choose the right type of toothbrush and toothpaste is also important if you want to take good care of your teeth, and you can learn more about brushing habits by scheduling an appointment with a dentist in your town. Contact a dental office like Bewick Keary DDS for more information and assistance. 


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