Maintaining and Protecting Your Oral Hygiene Equipment

Reprinted from the American Academy of Periodontology website.

Do you know what car oil and toothbrushes have in common? Both are designed to clean away dirt and contaminants, should be replaced every three months or sooner, and both become ineffective when deterioration sets in. You know when it's time to change your car oil, but do you know when it's time to replace your toothbrush?

Look at the toothbrush. Are the bristles bent or frayed? When was it last replaced? The American Dental Association (ADA) says that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months, or sooner. When bristles become worn-out, they lose their effectiveness.

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, people were given new and artificially used toothbrushes (these brushes were worn down by a machine to simulate three months of use). The new toothbrushes removed significantly more plaque and gingivitis - the earliest stage of gum disease, than the worn brushes.

In addition to the wear and tear your toothbrush goes through everyday; overtime it also can become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva and toothpaste. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is unaware of any adverse health effects directly related to toothbrush use, a recommendation is to rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water following brushing and to tap off excess water. You may also want to consider the following to protect your toothbrush from bacteria.

Do:

  • Wash your hands before and after brushing.

  • Allow the brush to air-dry after each use. The bacteria most harmful will die when exposed to oxygen.

  • Store the toothbrush in an upright position, so water drains from it and it dries faster.

  • Replace it every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or you've had a cold or flu to prevent possible reinfection.

  • Clean the cover or container often to kill potentially harmful bacteria that could cause periodontal diseases, a serious bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds teeth in the mouth.

Do not:

  • Share your toothbrush. According to the CDC, the exchange of body fluids from sharing toothbrushes could increase the risk for infections.

  • Re-use or share the same disinfecting solutions or mouthwashes to disinfect your toothbrushes. This may lead to cross-contamination.

  • Routinely cover toothbrushes or store in closed containers. This creates a humid environment that is more susceptible to bacterial growth.

  • Use a community toothbrush holder. If you must, clean it often, and make sure the bristles do not touch one another.

  • Touch the toothpaste tube to your toothbrush.