If you are like most patients, you are starting to get a pretty good grip on how to best brush your smile. You know that it’s important not to use the same toothbrush for a period of longer than three months, you’re figuring out which toothpaste you really like, and you’re getting yourself on a consistent dental hygiene schedule. However, have you ever wondered if you’re doing the right thing once you’re done brushing? What happens after your teeth and gums are nice and clean? Consider a couple tips.
Tip #1: Rinse Your Brush
You’ve just removed plaque and remaining food particles from your mouth with your dental hygiene session and your brush is covered in a mixture of toothpaste and the aforementioned yuckiness. As a result, you’re going to need to clean that toothbrush to ensure it is ready for its next use. Avoid the compulsion to worry about this step as it’s really quite simple. Hold the head of your toothbrush under running water until the bristles are clean – and you’re done.
Tip #2: Give It Some Air
As you know, when you mix moisture plus darkness, mold, bacteria, and mildew love to proliferate. Keep your brush from sprouting any new developments by allowing its bristles to dry out. Translation: Don’t toss the brush into a bag or case. Instead, keep it out where it can “breathe.” You will find multiple options in the dental hygiene aisle of any home goods store that will keep your brush upright, so it remains clean and dry.