How Should We Store Our Toothbrush?
Toothbrush is one of the most basic tools to protect our oral health. Daily tooth brushing habit is very important to keep teeth clean and healthy. However, just as much as the toothbrush, how we maintain it also plays a big role in our health. Storing the toothbrush correctly ensures the long life of the toothbrush and prevents the proliferation of bacteria that can negatively affect our oral health. So, how should a toothbrush be stored?
Keep Toothbrush Clean and Dry
The most important rule when storing a toothbrush is to keep it clean and dry. After using the toothbrush, it should be rinsed thoroughly with water and then placed with the head up. In this way, the brush is prevented from remaining wet and the proliferation of dirt and bacteria on the head is prevented. A wet toothbrush creates an ideal environment for bacteria to rapidly multiply. It is also very important to leave the toothbrush in a ventilated environment after use.
Protect the Head of the Toothbrush
Since the head of the toothbrush is the area that comes into most contact when cleaning the teeth, it is important to keep this area clean. Keeping the toothbrush head away from areas where it may come into direct contact prevents bacteria from contaminating the brush. You can protect the head of the brush from external factors by using toothbrush boxes, plastic covers that protect the head, or special storage boxes. But remember, keeping the head of the brush in a closed environment may prevent the head from staying dry. For this reason, you should remember that the enclosure in which you will place the brush should be breathable.
Do not share the toothbrush with others
A toothbrush is a personal cleaning tool and should never be shared with anyone. Germs and bacteria can pass between different people’s toothbrushes. At the same time, using other people’s toothbrushes can damage personal oral flora and lead to various health problems. Each individual should have their own toothbrush and only their own brush should be used.
Keep Toothbrush Away from High Temperatures
Protecting toothbrushes from hot environments is very important to extend their life. Washing with hot water or leaving the brush at high temperatures may cause deformation of the brush bristles. When the toothbrush bristles become overheated, they may lose their flexibility and the cleaning power of the brush may decrease. This may result in teeth not being cleaned adequately. The toothbrush should be kept away from hot bath or shower areas and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Sunlight can wear out the materials of the brush and shorten its life by damaging the structure of the brush. Instead, it would be best to store your brush at room temperature in a dry and cool environment. In this way, your toothbrush will last longer and maintain its hygienic properties.
Change Toothbrush Regularly
The toothbrush should be changed regularly as it wears out after a while. A toothbrush cannot clean effectively when its bristles are bent or worn. When the bristles of the brush lose their flexibility, it means that they cannot fully reach the tooth surface, which leads to the teeth not being cleaned adequately. Changing the toothbrush regularly is an important factor in maintaining oral hygiene. Most experts recommend replacing the toothbrush every three months. This is the ideal time for the bristles of the brush to wear out and its ability to perform effective cleaning to decrease.
Also, you should not forget that if the disease has passed, the toothbrush must be changed. Toothbrushes can carry bacteria present in the mouth during illnesses and increase the risk of infection when reused. Especially during diseases such as colds and flu, the toothbrush can carry viruses and bacteria in the mouth, which can re-enter the mouth the next time it is used. In this case, it is important to change the toothbrush after the illness has passed to prevent the infection from recurring. This simple but effective measure will help you protect both your oral health and your overall health.
Separate the Toothbrush from Family Members
If more than one person lives, care should be taken to have a separate toothbrush for each person. To avoid mixing toothbrushes with each other, toothbrushes of different colors can be purchased for each person. Otherwise, someone else’s toothbrush may be accidentally used and this may spread germs.
Pay Attention to Toothbrush Hygiene
Cleaning the head of the toothbrush regularly is important to ensure its hygiene. The head of the toothbrush is often dirty with toothpaste residue and bacteria found in the mouth. While rinsing the toothbrush with water, you can sometimes increase the hygiene level by adding a little salt or vinegar to the hot water. Apart from this, it is also important to disinfect the toothbrush at regular intervals. To prevent bacteria or germs from settling inside the toothbrush, you can briefly put the head of the brush in boiling water every few weeks.
We should keep it in a clean, dry and cool environment with its head up.
