Did you know that your toothbrush can quickly turn into a hotbed of bacteria? Research has shown that as many as ten million microorganisms can be living inside the bristles that you stick into your mouth every morning. It is for this reason that our Lynnwood dental clinic recommends that you take care to maintain a clean and reasonably sanitary brush.
The first thing to realize is that the bacteria on your brush is no particular cause for alarm; it picked up these tiny stowaways from your own mouth, after all, and no one with a healthy immune system should be falling ill from such microbes. However, by keeping these bacteria populations down as much as possible, you can do wonders for your own oral health.
Start by storing your brush upright. Bacteria thrives in a damp environment, so it helps to allow the bristles to dry out between brushings. You may also periodically soak the brush in alcohol, antiseptic mouthwash, or the like to purge away stubborn cultures. If you’re sensitive to such substances, ten minutes in boiling water can serve just as well. It is important that you don’t microwave your brush or put it in the dishwasher, however, because these can destroy the fragile bristles.
No matter what you do to keep your brush clean, it is recommended that you replace it every three months. If you are suffering from gum disease, this interval can be significantly shorter. Talk to your dentist to determine exactly how frequently you should change brushes.
