Your Toothbrush Could Be Making You Sick

Everybody uses them. But few people know that their toothbrush may be hazardous to their health.

Use the Right Toothbrush

When we leave the dentist's office, we usually receive a new toothbrush, but there are some things we aren't told. We know the best way to protect our teeth and gums is to brush our teeth at least twice a day. That will not help much unless you are using the right toothbrush.

Some people use any toothbrush. However, using a soft toothbrush might be better for some because hard-bristle toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums. Experiment until you find a comfortable toothbrush.

Life Span of a Toothbrush

Like milk, foods, cosmetics, etc., toothbrushes have a life span or a shelf life. The average toothbrush should be tossed after three or four months. If you forget how long you have been using your toothbrush, there is an indicator on the brush that you have probably never noticed.

The different colors of the bristles on a toothbrush are there for a special reason. Usually, there are two colors on the white bristles, and when one color begins to fade into the second color, you should replace the toothbrush. That toothbrush cannot effectively remove plaque if the bristles are worn or frayed.

Rinse your toothbrush

After brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush under running tap water until you have cleaned off all remaining toothpaste and debris that have been left on the brush.

Disinfect Your Toothbrush

Some dentists suggest disinfecting your toothbrush by soaking it in your mouthwash, such as Listerine, for at least five minutes each day. You do not need to do this if you have a toothbrush sanitizer.

Let Your Toothbrush Air-Dry

You should not cover the bristles between uses. The bristles should be allowed to air-dry. Bacteria and other organisms will grow faster on the bristles if they are covered up or kept in a closed or damp environment.

The best thing to do is keep your toothbrush uncovered in your medical cabinet.

Keep Your Toothbrush Away From the Toilet

Do not keep your toothbrush near your toilet. If you were to see a still shot of a toilet being flushed, it would look a lot like the Fourth of July fireworks, meaning that water sprays up out of the toilet and lands on what is near it.

It is easy to prevent that from happening by always keeping your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet.

Do Not Share Your Toothbrush

You shouldn't have to be told not to share your toothbrush or not to use somebody else's toothbrush. When you share toothbrushes, you are swapping germs with the other user. This can make both of you sick.

If you have forgotten your toothbrush when you travel or if you are without one for some other reason, put toothpaste on a washcloth and rub it across your teeth. It is not the ideal way, but since you won't be doing it that way for long, certainly it is better than using another person's toothbrush.

Don't Let Toothbrushes Touch Each Other

If you store more than one brush in the same container and the heads are touching, the germs from one will definitely get on the other.

When You Are Sick

Most people don't know they shouldn't keep using the same toothbrush they used when they were sick. If you have been sick, change your toothbrush after you get well, according to the American Dental Association.

There is a warning on Colgate and Arm & Hammer toothbrush packages that germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. So anytime you have a cold or some other illness, change your toothbrush after you get well because germs might be lurking among the bristles.

Helpful Hints

Now that you know some helpful tips about your toothbrush, don't forget to check on your kids' toothbrushes. Perhaps you should buy toothbrushes for the entire family and keep them on hand so they will be available when someone in the family needs a new one.

While you are at it, purchase extra brushes to take with you when you and your family travel.

Pass It Along

If you read something you didn't know, perhaps you have a family member or friend who would benefit from this information. Feel free to share this article with them.