It’s nice to share, but not when it comes to toothbrushes. Sharing toothbrushes will allow the cross contamination of bacteria from one mouth to the other, and contributes to the spread of an illness. Since most of us brush our teeth in the bathroom, keep the toilet lid down, and store your toothbrush at least four feet from the toilet to keep airborne bacteria from affecting your toothbrush. It is also a good idea to wash your hands before brushing your teeth.

When you are done brushing, you should clean the bristles by rinsing under the faucet until they are free of toothpaste and food particles. You don’t have to boil or microwave your toothbrush, or run it through the dishwasher. In fact, by doing so, you may only succeed in damaging the bristles. If you want to soak your toothbrush in mouthwash or an antibacterial rinse, do so for no longer than 15 minutes. After you clean your toothbrush, store it upright and in an area where the air can reach it. And remember, you should replace your toothbrush every three months, and sooner if the bristles are showing signs of wear.

If you live in the Grand Junction, Colorado, area and would like to schedule an appointment to see our dentist, Dr. Bob Johnson at Horizon Dental Care, call 970-245-3633 today to plan your visit.

The post Cleaning Your Toothbrush first appeared on Horizon Laser Dental Care.

-Soft bristles: Soft bristles are very important because they thoroughly clean the teeth and care for the enamel and the surrounding gums. If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, there is a good chance it can wear down the enamel and harm the gums.

-ADA approval: The American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance is a logo that proves the toothbrush is safe and effective in an oral hygiene routine. It’s best to select a toothbrush that has this logo on the packaging so you can ensure a top-notch brushing technique.

-A comfortable head size: It’s best to choose a toothbrush with a head that can fit perfectly in the mouth. Many prefer a brush with a head that is 1 inch long and ½ inch wide. Many also prefer one that covers two teeth at a time.

If you have any questions or if you would like to know more about how to select a toothbrush in Grand Junction, Colorado, please contact Horizon Dental Care today at 970-245-3633. Our dental team is here to give you the answers and information you need, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post What to Look for in a Toothbrush first appeared on Horizon Laser Dental Care.