A toothbrush is for sure your dental hygiene?s best friend (along with floss) and the golden rule applies in this friendship as well. Treat your toothbrush well so that it can provide proper care in return. Many of our Krengel Dental patients are surprised to hear that toothbrushes require care, however, your brushing is only as effective as the tool you are using. 
Here are some tips on how to care for your toothbrush to get the most out of your brushing:
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. For an electric toothbrush, make sure you are replacing the head of your brush this often as well. This time period is when the bristles tend to become frayed and rougher, losing effectiveness. As soon as you noticed frayed bristles and wear on your toothbrush, replace it with one that will more effectively remove plaque and bacteria.
- Do not share your toothbrush! Yes, everyone should brush their teeth twice a day, but no, you should not share your toothbrush to make this happen. Sharing can lead to an exchange of germs and fluids that can compromise your dental hygiene and your overall health while also putting you at an increased risk for infection. To be safe, stick to the rule and do not share.
- Clean your brush! Make sure you thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing each time to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris.
- Make sure to keep toothbrushes from touching one another to keep from contamination. If you store your toothbrush near other peoples? make sure they do not touch and are separated.
By sticking to these suggestions, your toothbrush will be in better shape to better your dental hygiene. A little extra care can make a huge difference on the impact of your brushing in a positive way. Your Krengel Dental team is always here with more pointers and we can even get you a new toothbrush at your next cleaning! Call us today: (952)-888-1311.
