A toothbrush is one of the most important tools for maintaining your oral health. Macri Dental in Denver, CO, explains that while professional dental tools can do a lot to restore and protect smiles, a quality brush is a must-have resource for keeping bacteria from harming teeth. Focused on helping all patients enhance at-home dental care, this trusted dentist offers a few toothbrush tips that every person should practice.

Strategies to Get the Most Out of Your Toothbrush

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Not all toothbrushes work the same for everybody. For example, children require smaller devices to make cleaning more manageable, but adults need longer handles to reach their back molars. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, find a product with soft bristles.

Manual toothbrushes can keep teeth spotless when used properly, but many find that electric devices deliver the high-powered precision they need to get a more thorough clean. If you’re unhappy with your toothbrush or need help selecting one, your dentist can introduce you to a variety of options to fit your needs.

Change Consistently

With continuous use, bristles can wear down and reduce the quality of clean your teeth receive. As such, it’s critical to replace your toothbrush (or electric bristle heads) at least once every three months.

It’s also worth noting that you should never share your toothbrush with others or vice versa. Even if a toothbrush is thoroughly cleaned, sharing can make it easy for bacteria to move between mouths, increasing your risk for oral health problems. You can avoid accidental switch-ups by labeling handles or assigning specific colors to family members.

Store Properly

It’s also important to make sure that the device is stored correctly to prevent bacteria from forming. You should keep the toothbrush upright after rinsing to ensure that bristles can dry out. Similarly, if you travel, you’ll want to leave covers on for a minimal amount of time, as close spaces can encourage bacterial growth on bristles.  

Of course, keeping your toothbrush in top form is just part of the oral hygiene equation. It’s also important to make sure that you are cleaning all parts of your teeth correctly to ensure that minimal food and bacteria are left behind.

If you have questions about your brushing practices—or the products you use—Macri Dental can provide friendly advice to help you take your dental care to the next level. This dentist can also help evaluate your dental hygiene with a comprehensive exam and offer suggestions on how to improve your routine. To learn more about this provider’s approach to care, visit the clinic online. You can also call (303) 694-0585 to schedule a convenient appointment with this family dentist.