26 Mar Top Ten Toothbrush Tips

            Dental hygiene in the early ages of civilization was, as far as we know, nothing to brag about. Their “toothbrushes” were twigs with frayed ends! Who wants to stick that in their mouth? Thinking about these primitive beginnings in dentistry should make us grateful for how much our knowledge, techniques, and tools have developed within the field over the centuries. Instead of using twigs to clean our teeth, we have hundreds of options for toothbrushes virtually at our fingertips! Today, we will reflect on ten tips to make the most effective use of a modern essential we all take for granted: the toothbrush.

1- Change Every 3 Months

Recommendations for how often you should replace your toothbrush vary, but they tend to fall between 2 to 4 months. The American Dental Association recommends replacing it every 3-4 months, or more often if the bristles are matted or frayed. If you find yourself forgetting to replace it, calculate 3 months from the day you last replaced it, and write that date in permanent marker on the neck or handle of the toothbrush somewhere. That will serve as your reminder to toss the toothbrush out when the indicated date comes.

2- Opt for Soft Bristles

As Colgate reports, “Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled toothbrush is best for teeth, especially for removing plaque and debris.” Maybe you’ve never given much thought to the texture of the bristles of your toothbrush, but turns out, it makes a difference! Bristles that are too rough can damage your gums and enamel instead of helping them. When purchasing your next pack of toothbrushes, look out for ones with bristles that are gentle, not medium or stiff, unless your dentist recommends otherwise.

3- Best with Bonus Features

Another consideration is the “bonus features” your toothbrush is—or isn’t—equipped with. This may include, but is not limited to, a tongue scraper, cheek cleaner, or an angled handle for easier grip and cleaning. You may find that you have a particular need for a feature, such as a tongue cleaner. Your dentist may even recommend that specifically. If your current toothbrush isn’t outfitted with what you need, you might want to consider a new style.

4- Sanitary Storage

It’s gross, but true: bacteria flies out after the toilet is flushed and sometimes lands on your toothbrush if your toilet is next to your sink. Even bacteria from your hands as you wash them in the sink could potentially contaminate your toothbrush if it’s too close! The reality is, the bathroom is just a high-risk area for germs, and you can’t keep your toothbrush entirely free of them. But experts say that stashing your toothbrush away in a medicine cabinet or keeping it in an enclosed case aren’t the best options, either, because they prevent the bristles from being able to fully dry. Jeremy Krell, D.M.D, explains, “Hiding your brush away in a cupboard or drawer prevents airflow, and a moist brush head is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.”

Experts recommend rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly and allowing it to dry completely while standing up, allowing any moisture to move down the brush. They emphasize the importance of the brush drying completely and of replacing it regularly.

5- Find One That Fits Your Mouth

Our focus here is effective toothbrushes, so it’s important to consider what that means for you. If your toothbrush is too big or too small for your mouth, that means it’s not the right brush for the job! As one source explains, “The best toothbrush head for you should allow you easy access to all surfaces of your teeth. For most adults, a toothbrush head a half-inch wide and one-inch tall will be the easiest to use and the most effective.” If you select one larger, you will likely find it difficult to manage. Your toothbrush should be big enough for your mouth, yet also small enough to nimbly maneuver the hard-to-reach places.

6- Taking Your Toothbrush on a Trip

Going on a trip? You’ve packed everything—even your toothbrush? Check again, because you might want to rethink how you’ve packed your toothbrush. Dentist Jonelle Anamelechi, a pediatric dentist who owns Children’s Choice Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, says, “Toothbrush covers trap in bacteria from the mouth that get on the toothbrush after brushing. It’s like a… breeding ground for bacteria by creating a warm and cozy environment.” Instead, Anamalechi recommends simply using a disposable toothbrush for your trip to spare yourself the bacteria.

7- Cleaning As Needed

Sometimes, you may find yourself a little grossed out with your toothbrush before your 3 months are up. If the bristles are frayed or worn, you need to go ahead and change it out. But if you’ve simply had a cold, dropped your toothbrush on the floor, or are just a little extra-sensitive to germs, you can always use these techniques to give your toothbrush a mid-life sanitization.

• Soak the bristles in mouthwash for up to eight hours.
• Soak the bristles in distilled white vinegar for up to eight hours.
• Boil water and stir toothbrush head in water for approximately ten minutes.

While not backed up by evidence, these are methods you are free to employ if you’re feeling germ-conscious, and they may serve to reduce the bacteria present on your toothbrush.

8- Fun for the Kids

Let’s not leave kids out. We’ve covered things you should look for when purchasing a new toothbrush, how to store and transport your toothbrush, and how often to change it out. But what you may not have thought of lately when it comes to making the best use of toothbrushes is just how many options are on the market for kids! There are, of course, a variety of options printed with children’s favorite action heroes and television characters. These can make your child feel that brushing their teeth is fun, like playtime. There are also toothbrushes that buzz or blink, alerting your child when they can stop brushing their teeth. These are particularly helpful with children who may be prone to swipe the brush through their mouth and say they’re done; they turn proper dental hygiene into an engaging activity.

9- Focus on Technique

“It’s not the toothbrush that matters, it’s the technique,” says Dr. Jiang, a prosthodontist at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. “You might have a brush that does all the work for you. But if you don’t have an excellent brushing technique, you’ll miss plaque, even with an electric toothbrush.”

Good brushing technique involves many elements. Next time you visit the dentist, take note of how they brush! A few key aspects include brushing in a circular motion, rather than scraping across, and angling the brush. Dr. Jiang explains, “The bristles should be aimed toward the gums where they meet the teeth, a junction where plaque and calculus collect. You don’t want the bristles to be perpendicular to your teeth, at a 90-degree angle, but angled, at a 45-degree angle.”

10- Don’t Share Toothbrushes!

Maybe this last tip sounds obvious, but it’s worth saying. Toothbrushes should not be shared! As the ADA explains, “Sharing a toothbrush could result in an exchange of bodily fluids and microorganisms between people.” In other words, it can make you sick! Even if it’s your spouse or child, it’s best to stick to a policy of one toothbrush per person.

Final Thoughts

            Toothbrushes are certainly a wonderful invention! Consider the above tips to make the most effective use of yours. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your dentist. We would love to hear from you. Be sure to ask about the top of the line electric toothbrushes now offered at Athens Family Dental!

About Our Team

Dr. McReynolds and our team at Augusta Family Dental have over 40 years of experience in the field of dentistry. We’re passionate about improving lives through better oral health as well as educating our patients. 

Come see why we’re Athens, TN top choice for dentists!