Your toothbrush is not a complicated piece of equipment. There are no moving parts, and there really is nothing to repair. In fact, if your toothbrush is starting to show signs of wear and tear, such as flattened or worn bristles, you should throw it out and buy a new one. After all, they aren’t that expensive. If you have had your toothbrush for three months or more, it’s time to retire it.
Until that day comes, you still need to take good care of your toothbrush. Fortunately, there are only two things required. The first is to rinse it under the tap after you use it. Boiling it, microwaving it, running it through the dishwasher or soaking it in mouthwash risks damaging the bristles. Once your toothbrush is free of leftover toothpaste and food particles, store it upright where the air can get to it. If you keep it in a drawer or your medicine cabinet, the bristles will not dry out and could start accumulating bacteria. You should also store your toothbrush away from the other toothbrushes in your household to avoid cross-contamination from other people’s oral bacteria.
As you can see, taking care of your toothbrush is not difficult. Our dentist, Dr. William Schell, will be happy to talk with you about all aspects of your oral health care during your next appointment with us in Plano, Texas. Call 972-618-0084 to plan your visit today.