A toothbrush is a crucial part of dental hygiene that should be properly cared for. Learn how often you need to replace your child’s toothbrush and other important information to help them understand the importance of brushing twice each day!
Parents should know that toothbrushes can be sanitized, but they need to be replaced between three and four months. A study in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry states that only 12 percent of people are replacing their brush every three months–there is definitely room for improvement!
The American Dental Association (ADA), the United States’ leading organization of dental professionals, recommends replacing your child’s toothbrush every three or four months. This is because the bristles become worn down and frayed with use, which affects its ability to clean teeth properly.
It’s also important to learn how to properly store a toothbrush. It is not recommended that you keep your toothbrush in an airtight container or within a confined space because it will reduce the ability of the brush to dry out after use, leaving moisture that can breed oral bacteria.
Open air circulation helps by drying out excess moisture, so always let your brush dry upright on an open surface. And make sure you don’t store your toothbrush too close to a toilet, as the moist environment near it can encourage bacterial growth.
When traveling, avoid packing your toothbrush in checked luggage if possible to prevent damage from extreme temperatures and pressures. Putting the brush into a plastic bag will help protect it from contamination but still allow it to dry during travel.
If you have been sick with a cold or flu, replace (or disinfect) your toothbrush as soon as possible because of the increased risk of re-infection. Even if you have just been sick for a day or two – before you have had a chance to recover fully – as it ‘doesn’t give the brush a chance to get rid of all those germs.
Make sure that you do not share toothbrushes since this can spread harmful bacteria and viruses such as hepatitis, which is transmitted by blood.
Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before using it each time to remove any residue left from previous brushing. This will prevent unnecessary waste of toothpaste and decrease the amount of bacteria on your brush.
More importantly though, you should teach your child how to properly brush their teeth. Start when they’re young, and learn the proper toothbrushing techniques together. By keeping their toothbrush clean and changing it regularly, you’ll give them the best chance of caring for their teeth.
You can do so much for your child’s teeth by making a simple habit of tooth brushing twice a day. Start with the American Dental Association’s recommendation: Brush often and don’t underestimate its power!
To keep up good oral hygiene efforts, you need to be committed not just during childhood but into adulthood as well. In order achieve this goal it is imperative that we start early–from when our children are babies all their way through adolescence-and continue practicing healthy habits such as regularity in daily routines like flossing or using mouthwash after eating certain foods (which may pose risks).
You have questions about how to care for your child’s toothbrush or his oral care, we have answers! Contact us with any of your oral care questions so you can have the support you need from the professionals who know.
Call for a consultation today or to make an appointment at our Tampa office at: (813) 576-0200! Our friendly staff is excited to welcome you into our dental family!