toothbrushrainbowAre you feeling somewhat frantic because you just realized your mouth is full of bacteria, which means your toothbrush is probably coated in some amount of bacteria? As a result, are you second guessing everything you ever thought you knew about caring for your dental hygiene products? First of all, we encourage you to relax and realize you’ve probably been doing things correctly all along. Secondly, of course, we are ready to provide you with some helpful advice to reassure you (or to teach you a new thing or two about brush cleaning).

Don’t Focus On Sterile Bristles

One of the most common bristle blunders we come across is the concern that one’s toothbrush must be 100 percent sterile and free of bacteria. It’s true that bacteria are in your mouth and on many surfaces. The goal is to limit it, not to become obsessed with eradicating it during your dental hygiene sessions. Translation: Don’t fall victim to myths that you need to toss your brush into a vat of boiling water to clean it as it is absolutely not something you need to do.

Do Focus On The Basics

There are some very simple efforts you need to take to limit excessive bacteria and germs, while ensuring your brush is clean and ready for its next use. Get ready! You will most likely discover you have been caring for your dental hygiene instruments correctly all along:

  • Run the bristles and the entire head of the brush under water once you are done with brushing. You might want to help force the residue out of the bristles with your fingers.
  • Tap off any excess water from your brush.
  • Find a place where your brush can air out without being placed in contact with someone else’s toothbrush. Keeping it bristles-up in a cup is always a simple solution.

Visit Our Office in Baxter, MN!

Dr. Clinton L. Roberts and the friendly staff at Greenhaven Family Dental are happy to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile with a comprehensive approach to general dentistry. With years of training and experience in dental sleep medicine, Dr. Roberts is also adept at helping patients treat snoring and sleep apnea so they can rest more easily (and quietly). To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call our office in Baxter, MN, today at (218) 454-0523. We proudly welcome patients from Brainerd, Little Falls, Staples, Crosby-Ironton-Deerwood, and all surrounding communities.