The Ever-Vigilant Toothbrush and You
The Ever-Vigilant Toothbrush and You
Your toothbrush is a tireless worker, fighting hand to hand with the bacteria and evils of plaque and gingivitis. Never complaining, never worrying about its own well-being. And when its work is done its thank you is to be stuffed back in a dark, damp drawer until called into duty again.
Come this time of year, you probably know more about the snow conditions at Boyne than you know about the condition of your trusty toothbrush. Despite it being your first line of defense against tooth decay and gum disease, your toothbrush gets nary a thought. But Dr. Egger is big on preventive care, so here’s some helpful information on caring for your little bristled friend.
Caring for your bristled friend
If you just did one thing for your toothbrush it would be letting it dry out between brushings. This seems unimportant, but a damp toothbrush can be a breeding ground for germs, fungus, and bacteria. Living in a dark drawer, you’d be amazed what can be growing in that toothbrush if it never dries fully. Letting your toothbrush dry out kills most of those germs. When you’re finished brushing, let tap water run through the bristles, then store the toothbrush in an upright position so that the air can dry it out. Now you know what those vertical toothbrush stands are for!
Plus, while Dr. Egger is all for young love, you may want to keep your toothbrush single, not letting it get too attached to the toothbrush of your partner. It’s not that we’re anti-social, it’s just that cold and flu viruses can jump from one toothbrush to another, if they’re touching while in the drawer. That toothbrush holder will keep the shenanigans from happening between brushes.
How often to change your toothbrush
Some people keep using their toothbrush until the bristles are flattened like an armadillo on a Texas highway. That’s a bad idea. You should change your toothbrush every three months. Studies have shown that after three months of normal use, toothbrushes are no longer nearly as effective at removing plaque. This is because the bristles become bent and they break down, losing their effectiveness when getting into the tough spots.
And did you just get over the flu or something equally serious? Change your toothbrush, as those germs still left from your illness would be more than happy to re-infect you.
How long should I brush?
Some people brush as if they’re trying to beat the Belle Tire commercial during the Red Wings game. If that sounds like you, this last bit of advice could seem like an eternity. But you really need to brush twice daily for two full minutes. To make it easier, think just 30 seconds for each quarter. Make sure to brush your tongue, the roof of your mouth, the pockets down along your upper gums. Two minutes. Set the timer on your phone. Hey, you could even watch Red Wings video highlights on your phone while you’re at it!
Have more questions about basic oral hygiene? Call any of the team at Dr. Egger’s, 989-773-3560, and ask away. Or, if you need to schedule your twice-yearly checkup, call us for that, too.