What’s Up with Your Toothbrush?

Every day your toothbrush does hand-to-hand battle with that enemy of tooth enamel, plaque. It’s a thankless job that, like in the movie Groundhog Day (whose namesake is just a couple days away, by the way), starts over again the next morning.

And what do you do to say thanks to your trusty toothbrush? Stick him away wet in a dark drawer, don’t allow him to do his job properly, and keep him in the fight long past his retirement date.

Yes, you overlook your toothbrush.

But you need to give your bristled pal some love. After all, your toothbrush is the best way to head off all of the horrors of gingivitis, periodontitis, and the like.

Dr. Egger, being Mt. Pleasant’s plaque-fighting superhero, would like to remind you of some things about your toothbrush.

Toothbrush care

A dry toothbrush is a ready toothbrush, ready to fight plaque. Damp toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for germs, fungus, and bacteria. If allowed free reign they continue to build up to levels that would scare a biologist. But when your toothbrush dries between uses, almost all of those germs go and sleep with the fishes. 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.

And, while Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, you may want to keep your toothbrush and that of your partner from hooking up. It’s not that we’re haters, it’s just that cold and flu viruses can jump from one toothbrush to another, if they’re touching while in the drawer. A toothbrush holder will keep them separate. Let them send Valentines to each other if need be.

How often to change your toothbrush

Some people keep using their toothbrush until the bristles are flattened like an armadillo on a Texas highway. Bad idea. Dr. Egger wants you to 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 if you’ve just recovered from a serious cold, flu, or mouth infection be sure to change your toothbrush. The germs can lay low, hiding in the bristles, waiting a chance to re-infect you.

How long should I brush?

If you’re a slacker brusher, this may seem like an eternity, but you really need to spend two minutes brushing twice each day. 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.

See how easy that was to treat your toothbrush with some respect? Call Dr. Egger at (989) 773-3560 to schedule your next cleaning.