Keep Your Toothbrush Germ-Free

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although we use toothbrushes to keep our teeth clean, they actually contain a lot of bacteria!  Did you know that an unbrushed mouth can contain as many germs as a dirty bathroom floor?  Here are a few tips to keep your toothbrush clean.

Toothbrush Tips:

• Replacement – You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when the bristles feel worn.
• Toothpaste – Certain toothpastes are better than others at killing germs.  Find a toothpaste that is great at killing oral bacteria!
• Don’t Share – Your toothbrush should be used just for you.  Be careful when squeezing toothpaste onto your brush, too.  Don’t let the toothpaste container opening touch your toothbrush bristles.
• Clean Your Brush – Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.  Occasionally soaking it in mouthwash can help kill germs too.
• Close the Toilet Lid – Your toothbrush can be contaminated by the water splashed when we wash our hands, or even from an open-flushed toilet. Gross.

For more tips on how to care for your toothbrush, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  We can help you and your child with all of your smile care needs.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office. 

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photo credit: jessicafm via photopin cc

How to Choose the Best Toothbrush

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Toothbrushes come in all different kinds of shapes, sizes and colors.  While some factors play a role in how well you are brushing, others do not.  Here are a few tips to help you choose the best toothbrush for your smile health.

Choosing a Toothbrush:

Source: Flickr

• Shape – Any toothbrush can be effective if you are using the right technique.  However, there are certain shapes that may be better than others.  Round, rotating heads are best for electric brushes and manual brushes with tapered heads are best for people with narrow jaws.
• Size – The perfect sized toothbrush will allow you to comfortably clean all the way around your last top molar.  Toothbrushes that are too big or too small can miss plaque in tight spots and hard-to-reach areas.
• Bristles – Always choose bristles that are soft.  Hard toothbrushes can irritate your gums, causing bleeding and even gum recession.
• Handle – The shape and size of your toothbrush handle has no effect on how well you brush.  However, you may find certain toothbrushes to be more comfortable to hold than others.

Don’t forget to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months or when the bristles become frayed.  Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove with any questions you have about yours or your child’s toothbrush.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.

Is your toothbrush making you sick?

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Source: Flickr

Many parents don’t realize that toothbrushes become contaminated when they are placed in the mouth.  Any viruses and bacteria that are inside of the mouth can continue to live on a toothbrush.  This can make kids sick if the microorganisms enter injured gum tissue.  Here are a few ways to make sure that your toothbrush is in great shape!

Toothbrush Tips:

• Wash – Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water to remove any visible debris.  If you are sick you may want to soak the toothbrush in mouthwash, run it through the dishwasher, or buy a new one!
• Deep Clean – Although they can be expensive, there are many toothbrush sanitizers that can kill microorganisms.
• Storage – Where do you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?  Don’t keep your wet toothbrush in a place where it cannot dry out.  Store your toothbrush in a place that lets air in and prevents mold.
• Replacement – No matter how well you care for your toothbrush, you should still replace it every three to four months or when the toothbrush becomes worn.  Frayed bristles are not as effective at cleaning your teeth.

If you have any questions about how you can improve your smile care, contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.