Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire IL
You’ve probably heard the saying, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, you may also apply that line of thought to replacing something that doesn’t look broken. There’s one thing that should be changed quite often, even if it doesn’t look like it’s in bad shape. Your toothbrush. Although it can be challenging to know when it is time to make the swap, there are reasons why you might need to purchase a new toothbrush before your next visit to our Lake Forest general dentist office.
When You Get Sick
When you catch a cold or the flu, your body is full of harmful germs that can remain on your toothbrush. The germs can then reinfect you. At any time you have a cold, flu, or run a fever, your friendly dentists in Lake Bluff recommend disposing your current toothbrush and replace it with a new one.
The Bristles Show Wear
Examine your toothbrush for possible damage regularly. One of the most obvious signs of wear is frayed, bent, or worn-down bristles, which significantly reduce its effectiveness at removing food debris and harmful bacteria. If the food and bacteria remain, it may result in a build-up of plaque, potentially causing gum disease. The friendly Lincolnshire dentist near you recommends replacing your toothbrush with a soft-bristled one for a more effective oral cleaning and help prevent advanced conditions such as gum disease or gingivitis.
Your Toothbrush Touches Another One
If your family has more than one toothbrush stored in the same area at home, such as a bathroom drawer, you run the risk of picking up germs of the other person’s toothbrush when they touch. Since gum disease-causing germs are transmittable from one person to another, the Lake Bluff professional dentists at Lake Forest Smiles advise purchasing a new toothbrush to protect your oral health when yours touches someone else’s brush. When storing multiple toothbrushes in one drawer, you can use a silverware tray to provide separate sections for each member of the family. Label each section to ensure there is no cross-contamination.
Your Toothbrush Touched the Floor
Unfortunately, when it comes to toothbrushes, the two-second rule does not apply when dropping it on the floor. It only takes milliseconds for a plethora of germs to cover your toothbrush. Although rinsing it with water may remove some germs, it is not enough to make brushing your teeth with the brush sanitary. The Lake Forest family dentists advise skipping the risk of possibly becoming sick from the germs and replace your toothbrush when it falls on the floor.
Storing Your Toothbrush in a Travel Container
Although your toothbrush is protected from external contaminants, storing it in a travel container with limited air circulation can make it difficult for your toothbrush to dry completely after each use. When your toothbrush remains moist, it could breed more bacteria or mold spores that are dangerous to your health. Therefore, the family dentists in Lincolnshire recommend removing your toothbrush from the travel case after you return home. Also, allow your toothbrush to air dry between uses regularly to prevent potentially serious health consequences. If your toothbrush has been left in a travel case for an extended period without completely drying, you may need to get a new toothbrush.
Family Dentistry in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire
Your oral health is dependent on the effectiveness of the tools you use to keep your teeth clean. If you struggle with remembering the last time you purchased a new toothbrush, that is a sign you need a new one. The overall recommendation from the professional dentists near you at Lake Forest Smiles recommends automatically replacing your toothbrush every three months unless you face one of the above conditions. By regularly using a new brush, you reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you want tips for brushing or need a tooth cleaning, feel free to contact our office by calling (847) 234-4800 or visit us online to schedule an appointment today!