Once you’re done brushing your teeth, you may think it’s fine to leave your toothbrush anywhere. What matters is that you cleaned your smile; why consider the tool that helped you do so? However, you should always store your toothbrush safely after you’re through with it. Not doing so puts your grin in danger, increasing the risk of various oral health issues. Given these facts, please note these safe methods for toothbrush storage from your Powell dentist.
Let Your Toothbrush Dry Completely
For starters, you ought to completely dry your toothbrush after using it. It’ll stay clean and functional longer that way.
Air is actually quite crucial for toothbrushes. When there isn’t enough of it nearby, bacteria are likely to grow on your brush’s wet bristles. Such growth then increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and so on. The good news is that you can prevent such growth by air-drying your toothbrush, thus depriving bacteria of a place to grow and multiply.
Use Specially-Made Holders
Not just any object is a good place to store a toothbrush. When putting away this oral tool, you should try to use specially-made holders.
You see, specially-made holders are the safest containers for toothbrushes. They have air holders that ensure proper drying, and they don’t damage bristles like makeshift covers do. Meanwhile, household items like plastic bags, pieces of toilet paper, and foil can easily harm your toothbrush. They can keep the brush from drying properly, or even harm its ability to clean your teeth well.
Don’t Lay Your Toothbrush Flat
After a good brushing, don’t lay your toothbrush flat on the counter. This way of putting your tool away won’t do it (or your smile) much good.
The issue comes down to what’s still clinging to your brush. If you lay a toothbrush flat on a surface, the water still on the bristles starts pooling together. This process creates a perfect environment where harmful bacteria can grow, thus increasing your risk of oral infections. So, make sure to put your toothbrush in a container that holds it vertically.
Keep Away from the Toilet
Where you store your toothbrush matters as much as how you store it. To that extent, you should always keep this device away from toilets.
Toilets are hotspots for nasty germs and bacteria, no matter how clean you keep them. Such microbes can easily reach a nearby toothbrush that’s only a few feet away. (Indeed, a 2005 study even found that the microorganisms can jump around 2.7 feet.) So, make sure your brush isn’t near a toilet after using it; the item will otherwise become dirty and harm your mouth.
To learn other toothbrush-related hygiene tips, consult your dental provider. They’ll gladly give you the scoop!
About the Practice
Powell Dental Group is based in Powell, OH. Led by Drs. Shults and Phillips, our practice makes every possible effort to help your smile shine and thrive. We thus offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative dentistry, with every treatment tailored to your mouth’s specific needs. Our team is also ready and able to address dental emergencies on short notice. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (614)-436-4433.