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As any family dentistry professional will tell you, your toothbrush is an essential tool in the fight against plaque. Daily oral hygiene is the only effective way to get rid of excess bacteria, keep cavities and gum disease from developing, and ultimately avoid tooth extraction. For this reason, you should keep your toothbrush in good shape by following these tips from a family dentistry practice.

How to Care for Your Toothbrush

1. Replace It Often

Your toothbrush should only be used for three to four months before you replace it. You can tell it’s time if you notice bent bristles or discoloration. After four months, a toothbrush loses much of its effectiveness in cleaning.

2. Rinse Every Time, Disinfect Regularly

Family DentistryRinsing your toothbrush helps limit the amount of food gunk on the bristles, but doesn’t get rid of bacteria. To do that, soak your toothbrush in a small amount of mouthwash.

3. Don’t Share Toothbrushes

Every time you use it, your toothbrush picks up a sample of the bacteria in your mouth. Each person’s oral bacteria are different, so if you trade toothbrushes with someone, you’re introducing new bacteria to your mouth and potentially damaging your dental health.

4. Let It Dry

When you store your toothbrush, it should not be put away in a drawer, cabinet, or airtight container, which will keep it damp and allow bacteria to grow. Instead, let it dry completely by storing it upright in the open air.

5. Don’t Scrub Too Hard

Removing plaque isn’t about elbow grease, and scrubbing too hard will damage both your dental enamel and your brush’s bristles. Use only moderate pressure, and focus on using a circular motion to thoroughly clean your teeth.

 

If you need more dental care advice from a family dentistry practice, contact Kemper Pond Dental in Cincinnati, OH. Dr. Williams and his team have over 20 years of experience treating a range of dental problems, and offer everything from basic cleanings to dentures, implants, and veneers. To make an appointment with their family dentistry practice call them at 513-531-4069, or learn more about their services on their website.

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