When you brush you teeth in the morning, you’re probably not aware of what may be lurking on the bristles of your toothbrush.
It may be contaminated with bacteria or viruses if you’ve been sick. Even if you haven’t been sick, normal healthy microorganisms can cause infections in your mouth if there is an injury or break in your gum tissues. In addition, a brand new toothbrush still in its packaging might already have bacteria on it since the packaging doesn’t have to be sterile to be sold.
So what can you do to keep from getting sick from your toothbrush?
Clean It!
Cleaning your toothbrush might not be at the top of your to do list since you rinse it off every day after you brush. But it’s actually an important item to add to your daily list. Here’s three must dos for your toothbrush to keep it clean:
Wash it. Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with hot tap water after you brush to remove debris and wash away bacteria. If you’re suffering from a systemic illness or immune system disorder, you should consider regularly soaking your toothbrush in a glass of antibacterial mouthwash or run it through a cycle in your dishwasher.
Deep clean it. Consider purchasing a toothbrush sanitizer there are a range of them available. They often use ultraviolet light to kill microorganism in as little as three minutes.
Keep it properly stored. Always store your toothbrush upright in a cup or rack so that it can properly dry out. If you want to put a cover on it, be sure to use one that allows air to circulate to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Toss It!
How often should you toss your toothbrush to prevent bacteria from building up on it? Here are a couple of useful tips:
When to let it go. It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles show excessive signs of wear. Bristles that are frayed will not effectively clean your teeth.
If you’re ill, get rid of it. Toss your toothbrush if it was used while you were sick. If you share a toothbrush holder with other family members, and one of them is sick, be sure to throw away all of the toothbrushes in the holder. Also, be sure to treat electric or power models the same way you handle an old-fashioned one. Get rid of the brush attachment after an illness or when the bristles begin to show signs of wear.
Don’t Share It!
If you’re tempted to lend your toothbrush to a family member or friend, just say no. The same advice is applicable if you’re thinking of borrowing a used toothbrush. By sharing, you’re transferring saliva and bacteria to the other person. Remember, bacteria is the first stage of the process that leads to cavities. Plus tooth decay is considered an infectious disease one more reason not to share or borrow a toothbrush.
SOURCE: WebMD