11 Dec Is Your Toothbrush Affecting Your Health?
Brushing your teeth twice a day is an important way to maintain your oral health. If your toothbrush is old, though, it might be doing more harm than good. Keep reading to learn find out if your toothbrush is negatively affecting your health.
Bacteria and Viruses
Bacteria and viruses can survive on the bristles of your toothbrush for weeks. Even if you are not sick, you could transfer some of these organisms onto your toothbrush and increase the amount of bacteria and viruses to which you are exposed. It is important to thoroughly clean your toothbrush to decrease the risk for coming into contact with these viruses and bacteria. After you use it, you should rinse it off with tap water. If you are sick, you might want to soak the brush in some antibacterial mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher.
Frayed Bristles
When your toothbrush gets too old, it might not clean your mouth as well as it should. Without meeting its cleaning potential, your toothbrush might leave plaque and bacteria in your mouth, which could compromise your overall oral health. You should regularly replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or whenever you notice that the bristles are starting to fray. You might even want to throw away your toothbrush after a bad illness to ensure that you do not spread any of those germs.
Individual Toothbrushes
It is important not to share your toothbrush with any friends or family members. When you use someone else’s toothbrush, you are putting their saliva and bacteria into your mouth. This increases your risk for developing certain illnesses and might even make you more likely to suffer from tooth decay.
Dr. John R. Carson is one of Tucson’s top dentists because he gives all of his patients access to the oral health services that they need. Whether you need a general cleaning or a root canal, our staff is here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. To learn more about our services, call (520) 514-7203.