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The Oral hygiene fighter!

By The Dentist
    We are all well aware that for a good oral hygiene we need to brush twice a day. But do you take proper care of your toothbrush? How often are you changing your toothbrush? 
   Sure enough, shopping for a toothbrush is not as fun as buying a new set of cloths, but it is important. Because, we know toothbrushes don't last forever. Not changing your toothbrush when needed can affect your dental health and spread infection.
Titbits about toothbrush!
   A toothbrush, as you know, is used to clean your teeth and gums (hopefully daily) by removing plaque and remaining food particles. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day. The soft bristles tend to fray over time, which reduces its cleaning capacity. Therefore, when bristles wear become noticeable it is time to change your toothbrush.

   Toothbrushes mechanically remove bacteria which cause gum diseases, tooth decay and bad breath.
   If you have been sick with  viral/ bacterial infection such as sore throat or flu, replacing the toothbrush with a new one is the best idea to avoid possible reinfections.
   Your child's toothbrush may need frequent replacements as he/she tends to gnaw on the brush. Buying toothbrushes in their favorite color or character may increase their involvement in brushing.
   No two persons, however close they are, must not share a single toothbrush. Even if you are disease free, your mouth harbors certain type of bacteria native to your body, when you share your toothbrush you are transferring them to other person. Those bacteria can cause disease in them.
   If you have separate toothbrush in your travelling kits which you use occasionally, you can change it once in six months.  

Toothbrush care routine!
   Bacteria from your mouth and bathroom can accumulate on your toothbrush overtime. But you need not use sanitizer (dangerous!)/ mouthwash/ hot water to clean them. Replacing it every 3 months will do fine.
   Wash them with running water before and after brushing. Do not place them randomly in your bathroom or washbasin. Keep them in a cup or holder and carefully avoid touching of heads of different brushes.
   You do not need a special closed container to keep your brushes. As it may encourage mold formation.
  
 It is good to keep your teeth for awhile after all they smile which will take you an extra mile!
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