Tips To Prevent Your Toothbrush From Getting Infected

We all brush every day to clean our teeth and to maintain a good oral hygiene. But have you ever thought the toothbrush which we use to clean our teeth can actually make you sick. We often think that our toothbrushes are very clean and hygienic. In reality, your toothbrush could be hosting millions of bacteria and germs, some of which could really make you ill.You will be surprised to know this. There are more bacteria in our mouth than anywhere else in our body. Some of them get on your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. Most of the time, these germs won’t bother you. But when you or someone in your house has been sick; these germs get access to your toothbrush and you could be then putting potentially dangerous bacteria or mold directly into your mouth.The germ problem also lies in how and where we store our toothbrushes. Normally we store our toothbrushes in bathrooms which are the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Bacteria like and multiply in moist and steamy environment in the bathrooms. Toothbrushes also become infected if you keep them next to the toilet.

YOU CAN PREVENT YOUR TOOTHBRUSH FROM GETTING INFECTED BY GERMS BY TAKING THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

WASH YOUR HANDS FIRST - Wash your hands before and after brushing.

CLEAN THE TOOTHBRUSH THOROUGHLY - Make sure the toothbrush is clean before using it. Hot water kills off germs better than cold water, so use it to rinse your toothbrush before and after brushing to keep germs at bay. 

KEEP BRUSHES AWAY FROM THE TOILET - When the toilet flushes, bacteria can be propelled into the air, landing on nearby objects including your toothbrush. So store your brush away from the bathroom and toilet. 

GET RID OF OLD BRUSHES - Change your toothbrush after every three months. You should also change when the bristles become worn.

PREFER TOOTHBRUSH WITH A SMALL HEAD - You may choose a toothbrush with small head as small headed toothbrushes have less surface area and are cleaner.

CHANGE IT AFTER AN ILLNESS - You may consider changing your toothbrush after you had flu or a cold.

KEEP TOOTHBRUSHES APART - Keep toothbrushes separate. Avoid storing toothbrushes together as germs can easily migrate from one toothbrush to other if they touch each other.

CLEAN YOUR TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER REGULARLY - A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) found that toothbrush holders are the third-most germ y household items. Remember to clean your toothbrush holder regularly to remove germs.

NEVER SHARE TOOTHBRUSHES - Do not share brushes. Don’t ever use anyone else’s toothbrush, or let someone use yours.

LET YOUR BRUSH AIR DRY - Don’t cover your toothbrush or place it in a closed container until it is completely dry. A moist environment can foster bacterial growth.

USE TOOTHBRUSH SANITIZERS IF POSSIBLE - There are products available that claim to sanitize your toothbrush. Some use ultraviolet light; antibacterial bristles, others are sprays or rinses, etc. The American Dental Association (ADA) states soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth rinse after use may reduce the amount of bacteria on your toothbrush. 

So brush your way to glory!