Your toothbrush plays an integral role in oral health. It removes plaque and keeps decay-causing bacteria away between visits to the dentist, which is why you should keep it in pristine shape. There are essential everyday and long-term care tips to follow, and sticking to these will ensure you get lasting, effective use from your toothbrush.

How to Take Care of Your Toothbrush

1. Rinse & Disinfect

Countless bacteria, food particles, and other debris gather on your toothbrush after you’ve cleaned your teeth. You need to remove all of these from the bristles, so wash your brush thoroughly once you finish. It’s helpful to regularly soak your toothbrush in a cup of mouthwash to disinfect it. Never touch the bristles while cleaning; you will introduce more bacteria.

2. Keep It Dry

Bacteria will grow on a toothbrush that stays wet, so keep it as dry as possible. Once you finish brushing, store it in an upright container to air dry. When traveling, never put it into a case or box while it’s still wet.

3. Know When to Replace It

Even the best toothbrushes have a lifespan, so you should know when to replace yours. You should only use the average toothbrush for 3 to 4 months, but your dentist could recommend quicker replacement. If the bristles are bent, frayed, and discolored, it’s likely time for a new brush. Many products have color markers on the bristles that will gradually fade to let you know when it needs replacement. Keep this in mind for electric toothbrush heads, as you will also need to replace them.

Whether you need advice choosing a toothbrush or are overdue for a cleaning, dentist Charles P. Debanne, DDS of Hamilton, OH, can fulfill your oral health needs. Assisted by dentist Laura M. Arnold, DDS, Dr. Debanne brings over 20 years of experience to patients. He takes a personalized approach to care and offers general, cosmetic, and emergency dental care services. Call (513) 887-6654 to schedule teeth cleaning and visit their website to learn more about the practice.