No matter how good your brushing habits may be, you can’t taking proper care of your teeth if you aren’t taking proper care of your brush. A bad or faulty brush can do a lot more harm than good, so consider the following advice on how to make sure that you’re always sticking a clean and functional brush in your mouth.
First of all, remember to change your brush regularly. The common wisdom is to get a new brush at least every three months. If you see noticeable wear on the bristles, like if they begin to splay out at odd angles, you may need to change it earlier. You should also replace your brush more frequently if you suffer from gum disease, or a similar condition that may cause your brush to become infected with germs.
When you store your brush, stand it upright in a glass or similar vessel so that it can air dry between uses. Make sure that it doesn’t touch the head of any other brush. You might consider periodically dipping your bristles in hot water or an antibacterial mouthwash to clean it, but don’t try to microwave it or put it in your dishwasher. For more advice on toothbrushes, consult Sixth Avenue’s International District dentist.