Your colourful toothbrush may look innocent sitting in your toothbrush holder, but did you know that there are millions of bacteria residing on your toothbrush?
Germs can be transferred from a sick person to the toothbrush and continue to survive over a long period of time. This is why it is absolutely a no-no to share toothbrushes as we do not know what germs are crawling on them.
Looking at any toothbrush packaging, you will realise that they are not sold sterile. That means there could already be microbial living in them. Therefore, it is very important to wash your new toothbrush thoroughly before using it to prevent infections in your mouth.
With this understanding, I am going to share with you on how you can brush your way to better oral hygiene.
Wash Thoroughly
For better oral hygiene, always remember to wash your toothbrush thoroughly before and after brushing. Spot some small bits of food stuck in the bristles? Get rid of them.
For individuals who are not feeling well, it is recommended that they clean their toothbrush using anti-bacterial mouthwash.
Keep It Away From Toilet
Every time we flush the toilet, the faecal material will be thrust into the air by the force of water. Toothbrushes will gather these faecal materials which are invisible to our human eyes. What you can do is to keep your toothbrush at a safe distance away from the toilet bowl and protect it with a cover.
Deep Cleaning
As some germs are extremely stubborn, you can use of toothbrush sanitizers which are readily available in the market. Another way of deep cleaning is to use ultraviolet light.
Keep Your Toothbrush Dry
Always keep your toothbrush upright on your holder. By keeping your toothbrush this way, air can flow and dry up your toothbrush faster. This is to prevent mould from growing on your toothbrush.
Dispose It
Most people have the tendency to use their brushes for a very long period of them. When the bristles started blooming or colours on the bristles started to degrade, throw your toothbrush away. You are expected to replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
No Sharing
Most importantly, do not share your toothbrush. Germs that trigger tooth decay are contagious.
In general, consult your dentist about what type of toothbrush is best for your existing oral condition. The above are basic guidelines to a better oral hygiene.
