You take care of your car, your house, and your health–but how often do you think about taking care of your toothbrush? A clean and cared-for toothbrush is vital to maintaining your oral health.
When storing your toothbrush, store it in open air. Closed spaces encourage bacterial growth that can damage your toothbrush. Also, don’t store it around other toothbrushes. If you must store it around other toothbrushes, make sure the heads don’t touch, as this can lead to cross-contamination. Contaminated toothbrushes should be thrown away, as they are no longer effective at cleaning teeth.
Similarly: never use your toothbrush for anything other than brushing your own teeth! Sharing toothbrushes is dangerous for your oral health, as it spreads bacteria, and even disease and infection. If you find yourself without a toothbrush, you can put a little toothpaste on your finger and brush that way until you can get a toothbrush (absolutely as soon as possible). Make sure to buy a toothbrush will the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal is granted to products that have undergone thorough testing for both safety and effectiveness. It guarantees you get a quality product. If you are traveling in an area that doesn’t have the ADA Seal available, choose a brush with the softest bristles you can find.
Finally, be sure to support your toothbrushing habit with regular dental visits and cleanings. Your dentist can catch problems early, clean your teeth, and help teach you about good ways to improve your oral health care habits. If you are in the [city], [state] area, be sure to call [practice_name] and schedule an appointment! You can reach us at [phone]. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team will be happy to help you on your way to a healthy smile!