14 Jun 5 Things You May Not Know About Your Toothbrush
The correct tools and brushing technique go a long way to help you maintain great oral health. Daily teeth cleaning coupled with twice yearly visits with your dentist are very important. We only get one set of permanent teeth … do everything you can do to keep them healthy and looking great for your lifetime.
Your Toothbrush
You may never give your toothbrush much thought, but here are five things you should consider:
- Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to make sure you are using a toothbrush that has been proven to be made properly and is safe for all family members.
- If you live alone, you probably don’t have to worry about multiple toothbrushes mingling together. But for families that share the teeth brushing space, it is important to know how to store your toothbrush. Make sure brush heads do not touch each other. And while you might be tempted to cover your toothbrush, it needs to air dry following use.
- Cleaning your toothbrush after you brush is as simple as thoroughly rinsing it under running water. But if you have been ill, you should consider sanitizing it to avoid reinfecting yourself. Better yet, replace it.
- Your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four months … sooner if the bristles appear worn. In order to maximize your brushing efforts, you should replace your toothbrush often.
- Many patients thoroughly brush the front of their teeth, but it is just as important to brush the backs and chewing surfaces of all teeth.
Other Helpful Dentistry Tips
You know you’re supposed to brush twice each day, but a quick brush is not sufficient. You should brush at least two minutes twice a day with a fluoridated toothpaste. Four minutes daily does not seem excessive to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Brushing only reaches about two thirds of the surfaces of teeth; dental floss helps clean between teeth and removes debris from around the gum line.
An electric toothbrush may help you clean your teeth better than a manual toothbrush. It basically does all the work … you just guide it to reach all surfaces. An added benefit is that a timer will signal when you’ve brushed the recommended two minutes.
Finally, visit our dentistry office for a professional teeth cleaning and dental exam twice every year or as recommended.