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Tooth Brushing Mistake No. 9: Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry
Not all tooth brushing mistakes involve your brushing technique. How you take care of your toothbrush also has a major impact on dental health. To help prevent the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush, it’s important to allow it to dry fully between uses.
How to Store Your Toothbrush
After each use, shake off your toothbrush to remove as much water as possible, then store the brush in an upright position and allow it to air dry. Avoid covering your toothbrush or storing it in a closed container, which keeps in moist and allows bacteria to grow. This means avoid putting a cap on your toothbrush after use or putting it away in a cabinet. If you find your toothbrush doesn’t dry out fast enough, try placing it in a toothbrush holder in a window sill where the sunlight can help it dry faster.
Why Dry Your Toothbrush?
A single toothbrush can host up to 1.2 million bacteria. Used toothbrushes can become home to many of the worst viruses and bacteria, including E. coli, flu virus, staph bacteria, strep virus, and yeast fungus. It’s entirely possible to make yourself sick by using a toothbrush covered with these germs.
The good news is that bacteria that cause gum disease are anaerobic, which means they thrive in moist areas and are killed by exposure to air. Simply allowing your toothbrush to dry completely can kill a large amount of the bacteria hiding in the bristles.
Make an Appointment Today
In order to have the perfect teeth, it is important to see a local orthodontist. There is none quite as good as Dr. Tisseront. When you visit Dr. Tisseront, you will learn more about their dental services such as what it takes to put in all kinds of braces like Invisalign. That’s why the next time you need Invisalign or any other type of braces placed on your teeth, give us a call.
Orthodontist in Reston, VA offering caring service for both Children and Adults.
Specializing in Aesthetic Orthodontics (Lingual braces, Invisalign and Clear braces).
11720 Plaza America Dr, Ste 110 Reston, Virginia 20190
Phone: (703) 773-1200
