When to Replace your Toothbrush

While we may be diligent in bathing/showering every day, brushing our teeth every day (ahem, that's every day, twice a day) and engaging in regular habits to stay fresh, we sometimes forget that the tools we use also need to be cleaned or refreshed.  Sometimes we assume the soaps or care products we use would clean the tools as well, but when was the last time you looked underneath the soap dish, took a big whiff of your towel or looked at the bottom of your toothbrush holder? Depending on how your items are cared for, you may find different surprises, LOL.

We're going to be focusing on the cleanliness of your toothbrush in this article - after all, we are dental professionals :).  Since microbes enjoy moist, warm areas, it's a good idea to dry off the brush handle after every use.  This also means avoid those 'sanitary covers' that stores sell - because the more enclosed it is, the less likely it'll dry sufficiently.  You may also consider the storage system you currently have in place.  Holders that suspend each brush separately (so the heads don't touch each other) may be the best option for drying and preventing cross-contamination with other people's brushes.  Install away from the toilet, as flushing can spray particles into the air.  And finally, avoid sharing toothbrush heads with other people.