Walking into the office of your Florence SC general dentist can be a little intimidating at times. You see all of the professional grade tools and equipment we have at all times and it is no longer a shock to you how we maintain our patients smiles on a daily basis. But don’t let all of these things fool or overwhelm you…because you actually have one of the most powerful tools in all of the oral health at home right now: your toothbrush.
A part of the job of your brush is battling and eliminating plaque, tartar, instances of decay and disease- it is not a glorious job, even for an inanimate object. With that in mind, the actual cleanliness and health of your brush are extremely important when it comes to your daily regimen. Below we have listed some top ways you can clean and maintain your brush for optimal at-home use.
The first step, arguably the easiest, is to be completed before and after brushing. Just run the head of your brush under hot water and comb through the bristles with a finger. This combination of flow, heat, and motion can loosen up and wash away any lingering particles that may have been stuck or left behind.
Next, make sure to store the brush properly. Make sure it is kept upright in a holder that allows for air to naturally dry the bristles. Do not allow the brush head to make contact with other surfaces or brushes and never let another person use your brush, all to avoid cross-contamination.
Lastly, make sure to replace your old brush at least once every 3-4 months. It is at this point that the bristles will start to become less efficient and the brush could become host to bacteria that is just too hard to get rid of.
For more information on how to improve your at-home daily brushing regimen, call your Florence SC general dentists at Richardson and Lunn for an appointment today at (843) 662-3505.
