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Chances are you brush your teeth often. Like many, you may even follow the practice twice daily! As a dentist, though, let me tell you: this habit means little without good toothbrush care. The brush, you see, only works well when properly stored between sessions. It won’t effectively clean teeth otherwise. Luckily, I have a few tips on brush storage to share. So, here’s how best to store your toothbrush for better oral health. Store It Upright You’re on the right track if you shake your toothbrush after brushing. However, don’t lay it flat on the counter afterward. This action, while innocent, won’t do your smile any good. When laid flat, a toothbrush pools the leftover water from its bristles. From there, harmful oral bacteria will have an ideal place to breed. Using the brush could then up your odds of gum disease. A better alternative is to store your brush upright in a holder. (This latter item might be a cup or even a clean household mug.) That way, the bristles will dry out and not attract germs. Keep It Far from Toilets Perhaps you already store your toothbrush in a cup. However, is it currently kept close to your toilet? If so, you have a real problem on your hands. The issue is that toilet water could reach your brush’s bristles. In that case, harmful microorganisms would attach and potentially transfer to your mouth. You’d then be at greater risk of nasty oral conditions. Of course, solving this puzzle is simple: move your brush further from the potty! You could even install a wall-mounted holder to ensure a safe distance. As a result, you won’t have to worry about mixing toilet water with your toothbrush. Place It in the Open After a round of tooth brushing, it’s tempting to store your brush in the medicine cabinet. After all, isn’t that what such furniture is for? Unfortunately, this impulse is ultimately misplaced. As it turns out, closed containers are terrible for toothbrushes. These spaces are often moist and conducive to the growth of bad bacteria. Consequently, keeping your brush in one will likely damage your smile. According to the ADA, you should place your toothbrush in the open instead. That way, it can be exposed to air and sunlight so that it dries naturally before it’s used again. You can then count on the tool to properly clean your teeth. Proper toothbrush storage is crucial to a good oral hygiene routine. Therefore, remember the tips above so your own brush does an excellent job!
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