How To Properly Taking Care Your Toothbrush?

Author: Hai Le

Updated on August 13, 2024 • Estimated read time: 9 minutes

Did you know that most dentists recommend keeping your toothbrush at least two meters away from the toilet to avoid the spread of airborne bacteria during flushing?

We all know brushing our teeth is important for having healthy teeth, but what about the tool that does most of the heavy lifting? Believe it or not, a key part of maintaining good oral health is taking proper care of your toothbrush.

Your toothbrush is the tool that helps you remove harmful plaque that is stuck between your teeth. It's also your first line of defense against many gum diseases.

If you don't properly take care of the tools you use in your daily oral practice, your efforts to maintain a healthy smile will be much more difficult. Also, with proper care, your toothbrush will last much longer, so you won't have to replace them as often.

By maintaining your toothbrush, you're maximizing how much bacteria it can remove, and that is why in today's blog, I will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the basics of proper toothbrushing, as well as tips on how to take care of your toothbrush properly, so you can have the most effective tool to maintain a healthy smile.

The Importance Of Taking Care Of Your Toothbrush

Fun Fact: Your toothbrush could save your life! According to National Dental Care, brushing your teeth can reduce your chances of contracting periodontal disease as it lowers bacterial build-up in your mouth, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and pneumonia.

That's a powerful connection between brushing and overall health right? well before you celebrate the fun fact, here's some scary truth about what happens if you don't take care of your toothbrush:

Increase Risk Of Infection: Brushing removes harmful bacteria in your mouth, but when you don't rinse and store your toothbrush properly, those harmful bacteria not only linger on your toothbrush bristles but also multiply and get redeposited back in your mouth during the next brushing session.

Reduce Plaque Removal: Without proper care, your toothbrush bristles will become frayed and bent much quicker, significantly reducing the effectiveness of removing plaque during your brushing routine.

Save Money: Not only from a medical bill but also from extending the life of your toothbrush. They aren't that expensive, but replacing them often adds up a lot.

Summary: You don't use a dirty toothbrush to remove harmful bacteria in your mouth, not only will it not work, but you will also face more risk of infection. And while toothbrushes aren't a huge expense, replacing them frequently adds up. Again, taking proper care of your toothbrush will extend its lifespan and keep those bristles in fighting shape much longer.

First, Let Me Show You How To Not Taking Care Of Your Toothbrush

We just learned that if you don't take care of your toothbrush, leftover bacteria can multiply and get spread back into your mouth during brushing. Additionally, without proper care, the bristles will quickly become frayed and worn, making them less effective at removing plaque.

Now, let's explore some common mistakes to avoid: (Please do not try these following examples)

1. Sharing your toothbrushes: You should never share your toothbrush with anyone, even your partner or spouse. Toothbrush sharing could spread germs and bacteria that cause tooth decay and other serious gum disease.

2. Brushing your teeth too hard: Applying excessive pressure to brush your teeth is a bad no-no. Too much force can cause damage to both your teeth and the bristles of your toothbrush, making them less effective at removing plaque from your teeth and gums.

(Read this blog for more details: How To Properly Brush Your Teeth)

3. Don't have a toothbrush container: The best way to keep bacteria from growing on your toothbrush is to store it upright in a toothbrush container, not laying flat on the sink.

Tip: Many dentists recommend avoid storing your toothbrush near the toilet in the bathroom. Bacteria and germs become airborne during flushing and could end up on your toothbrush!

Summary: Sharing your toothbrushes is one of the worst ways to take care of your toothbrush. It increases your risk of developing cavities and many other diseases. Also, don't brush your teeth too hard. Using excessive force can put extra strain on your teeth and your toothbrush bristles, which significantly decreases their lifespan. And lastly, don't leave your toothbrush lying down on the sink, have a toothbrush holder!

How To Taking Care Of Your Toothbrush

Think putting a cap on your toothbrush is a good way to protect it? Think again! Doing that will trap moisture which can cause bacteria to grow and multiply.

Fun Fact: If you take care of your toothbrush correctly, you can maintain your brush for up to 3-4 months before needing replacement.

You don't need any special cleaning wizardry to do the trick. Do these following examples instead to help maintain your toothbrush:

1. Rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing: Once you finish brushing your teeth, take some time to rinse your toothbrush off with water to remove any remaining toothpaste and bacteria still stuck on it.

2. Store your toothbrush upright so it can drain and air dry faster: After you're finished rinsing your toothbrush, you'll want to shake off any excess water left on your toothbrush. Then stand it upright to let it air dry.

Tip: Place your toothbrush in a toothbrush case after it is completely dry can further help prevent bacteria from building upon your toothbrush. (A toothbrush container is ideal for travel because it protects your toothbrush from dirt and dust inside your luggage.)

3. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months (or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray): Again, with daily use, your toothbrush will become significantly less effective at removing plaque due to the bristles on your toothbrush becoming frayed and bent over time.

Summary: Maintaining a clean storage environment for your toothbrush between each use is crucial for your long-term oral health. After brushing, you should rinse your toothbrush with water and store it in an upright position to dry. And don't forget to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray, so you can maximize how much bacteria your toothbrush can remove.

Taking An Extra Step!

Take an extra step if someone in your house is sick: The American Dental Association recommends you throw away any toothbrush that comes into contact with the sick person to prevent the sickness from spreading.

Just like you, your toothbrush also needs a fresh start after battling a cold or flu. So if you or your family members have been sick, it is a good idea that you throw the toothbrush out as soon as possible and use a new one instead.

Summary: It’s recommended by many dentists to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a flu, cold, or any other viral infection, as germs can remain on the bristles and lead to re-infection.

Quick Takeaway

Knowing how to properly take care of your toothbrush is important to keeping your teeth clean and healthy. By taking good care of your toothbrush, you increase its efficiency in removing bacteria and helping your toothbrush last much longer!

For most people, brushing their teeth daily is the best and first line of defense against tooth decay and many gum diseases, so having the right tooth prepared can truly maximize your result.

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with water after brushing, store your toothbrush upright, and replace your toothbrush every 3 months are some of the most common habits that people with healthier teeth do.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: How should I store my toothbrush?

Answer: You should store your toothbrush in an upright position in a holder. And if possible, you should avoid storing your toothbrush near the toilet, as this can increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Question #2: How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Answer: The American Dental Association recommends you to replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn.

Question #3: Can I share my toothbrush with someone else?

Answer: No, you should not share your toothbrush with anyone else. Sharing your toothbrush can spread many harmful germs and bacteria, which can lead to cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.