Fortunately, most people try to monitor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a toothbrush and toothpaste helps to significantly reduce the risk of tooth decay and other dental diseases. Let's talk a little about how to use a toothbrush correctly.
Contents
Toothbrush Care
After brushing, the remaining food and toothpaste must be completely removed. For additional disinfection, it is recommended to soak the brush in an antibacterial mouth rinse.
Brush Storage Rules
Storage in closed containers in wet conditions promotes the growth of microorganisms on the bristles. Before the next use, the brush should dry completely, therefore it is better to dry it in an upright position. It is recommended that toothbrushes be stored separately from each other – this will help prevent cross-contamination.
What to do in case of illness?
Any disease that can be transmitted through body fluids should be accompanied by a separation of the patient’s toothbrushes and healthy family members. After illness, it is advisable to replace the brush with a new one.
How often should brushes be changed?
The optimal toothbrush life is 3-4 months. It can also be replaced upon wear of the bristles.
Four main rules of oral hygiene
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash before brushing your teeth. This will help reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and reduce the number of microorganisms that eventually settle on the toothbrush after brushing your teeth.
- Check with your dentist regularly. Regular examinations and professional brushing will help reduce the total bacterial load in the mouth. This is especially important for those who suffer from gum disease, since bacteria present in the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream through eating, using chewing gum, or brushing teeth through wounds on the gums.
- Wash your hands. Washing hands after using the toilet and before using a toothbrush will help reduce the likelihood of fecal-oral infection.
- Do not share toothbrushes. This seems like a simple task, but most spouses periodically use each other's brushes. This means that bacteria from such brushes enter the mouth of both spouses, including those microorganisms that cause tooth decay and periodontal disease – the two main dental problems in adults.
Just a few simple recommendations will help to preserve teeth even in old age. It is only enough responsible for oral hygiene.
