How to properly care for your toothbrush
A toothbrush is a tool that cleans teeth and cleans the inside of the mouth, which is an essential item in oral hygiene. Proper brushing is important for oral hygiene, but taking good care of the toothbrush itself is also very important. In particular, toothbrushes are items that go into the mouth, so if you neglect to take care of them, they can quickly corrode your teeth due to the growth of bacteria, and the proliferated bacteria can penetrate into the gums and cause various periodontal-related diseases. In addition, if the bacteria in the mouth proliferate, it can affect the development of diabetes, pneumonia, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, so it is very important to properly manage the toothbrush for oral hygiene management. So today, let’s look at various ways to keep your toothbrush hygienic.
How to properly care for your toothbrush
1. Rinse thoroughly between the bristles
To properly care for your toothbrush, it is important to rinse thoroughly after brushing your teeth. If you do not rinse thoroughly between the bristles of the toothbrush, toothpaste residues or food residues can cause cavities, bad breath, and inflammation of the gums. When washing your toothbrush, you need to spread the bristles slightly apart and rinse the foreign substances thoroughly with running water. We recommend rinsing your toothbrush lightly with boiled or purified water. Note that flossing is also a good way to get food stuck between teeth.
2. Dry your toothbrush well
Not drying your toothbrush well after brushing your teeth also causes the growth of bacteria. According to research results, bristles that are not dried well increase the number of bacteria 10 to 100 times. Also, in the case of a portable toothbrush that you take with you when you go out, there are many cases where you put the toothbrush in the case right after brushing your teeth. After using the toothbrush, it is recommended to dry the toothbrush thoroughly before storing it because putting it on a cap or storing it in a case without properly removing the moisture can also cause rapid bacterial growth.
3. Store in a well-ventilated environment
After use, most toothbrushes are stored in the bathroom. If it is stored in the bathroom, it is humid and poorly ventilated, so bacteria can easily grow. In particular, it is best not to put it close to the toilet bowl. When flushing the toilet, it is known that minute water droplets splash up to a radius of 6m, so contaminants inside the toilet can splash on the toothbrush. In addition, the toilet fecal particles spread up to 25 cm from the seat as soon as you press the toilet, making it easier for the toothbrush to grow bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to store the toothbrush in a dry, well-ventilated place. It is also said to be a good idea to place it near a window that gets enough sunlight.
4. Keep the toothbrush heads out of contact
When storing toothbrushes, it is often the case that several of them are put together in one place. When stored in this way, the bristles that come into contact with each other make it easier for bacteria to multiply. Therefore, it is recommended to store toothbrushes individually. In addition, not only toothbrushes, but also holders, cups, and barrels for storing toothbrushes are prone to bacterial growth. Therefore, it is recommended to soak it in water with coarse salt or baking soda for about 10-20 minutes once a week, rinse it, and dry it well in the sun before use.
5. Change your toothbrush regularly
A toothbrush with a certain period of use creates an environment that is easy for bacteria to thrive. In addition, as the bristles spread and wear out, the effectiveness of removing plaque decreases, which can lead to gum disease, and the effect of the frayed and worn bristles can cause damage to the gums. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, and according to individual habits, it is recommended to change the replacement cycle faster when the bristles wear out faster.
