3 Ways to Care for Your Toothbrush

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The holiday season starts with Halloween and sugar and candy galore. Then comes Thanksgiving with baked confectioneries and other good foods. This continues through the end of the year and into the New Year. We all love it, but by the end of it, our toothbrushes may be getting a little tired. (Remember to brush AT LEAST twice per day for two minutes and after snacks or meals especially ones containing all those yummy sugars!) Here are a few ways to take care of your toothbrush during it's busiest season:


If your toothbrush looks like this
it may be time to replace it!
  1. Store your toothbrush in the open air. Toothbrushes like to be thoroughly rinsed with water after being in your mouth and they don't like to be encased where they can't dry out after use. They also like their space - stand them upright and don't let them touch other toothbrushes. By storing your toothbrush this way you are minimizing the amount of bacteria on your toothbrush for your next cleaning.
  2. Retirement age of your toothbrush is 3-4 months. Your toothbrush works hard and the longer it works, the more tired it gets. Replace any brush whose bristles aren't straight anymore or any brush that has been used for 4 months maximum. If going out and buying a new toothbrush is hard for you to remember, ask your dentist at your next check-up for one. You should have a professional dental cleaning at least every 6 months.
  3. Don't share - at least not your toothbrush!  Keep your toothbrush to yourself. Don't share it with family members or friends. When you share your toothbrush with others you are spreading germs and bacteria. This is especially true of viruses like the cold and flu. 
Keep these three simple rules in mind for a happy, healthy toothbrush and keep on brushing! 




~Cyrus M. Larson, DMD


For additional information on your toothbrush see these cool videos and articles:

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