How To Keep Your Toothbrush Safe
Good oral hygiene is essential in maintaining your physical and mental health. People who do not practice proper oral hygiene are more likely to lose their teeth and are more prone to periodontitis. Toothbrushes are tools used to keep the teeth clean and safe from the damage that bacteria can cause. We should brush our teeth at least two to three times a day or after every time we finish a meal. Toothbrushes are necessary for preventing bacteria that can cause tooth loss, gum diseases, and bad breath. At Smile Family Dentistry we provide many dental services to ensure that you can maintain your beautiful smile and keep your oral cavity free of dental problems. History of the ToothbrushMost historians agree that the history of toothbrushing dates back to 3500-3000 BC when the tombs of ancient Egyptians were discovered and tooth sticks were found alongside their owners. The toothbrushes we know today are different from the first ones that were created. Back in the year 1780, William Addis created the first toothbrush with a more modern design in England. The brush was made from pig's hair with a cattle bone handle. Electric toothbrushes were invented in 1939, and softer nylon bristles for toothbrushes were created around the 1950s. Toothbrush StorageThere is no point in having a toothbrush if they are dirtier than your teeth. Make sure to put your toothbrush in a proper and sanitized place. Avoid putting your toothbrush near the toilet. Keeping your toothbrush close to your toilet can expose it to the dispersal of microscopic particles that spray into the air when you flush the toilet. Your toothbrush should be stored in an environment where it can dry out after use. Do not store your toothbrush in random places like plastic bags, foil, or toilet paper. Do Not Share Your ToothbrushSharing is caring, but when it comes to toothbrushes, this is not true. A toothbrush can harbor many different kinds of bacteria when shared with others. One example is Streptococcus mutans; a bacteria that is responsible for tooth decay. Aside from the bacteria, sharing a toothbrush can also transfer blood-borne diseases. Viruses such as herpes simplex type one and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can also be passed through toothbrush sharing. People who let their toothbrushes be used by someone else other than themselves are more likely to pick up a harmful oral infection. Clean Your Toothbrush TooA toothbrush keeps your oral health safe, but who will keep it safe? A thorough brushing will clean your mouth and teeth, in exchange, your toothbrush will now carry the germs in its bristles. Right after you brush your teeth, you must make sure that your toothbrush is clean too. You can sanitize your toothbrush by running hot water over the bristles. This can help get rid of the bacteria that are accumulated while you are brushing your teeth. Toothbrushes are important because they help prevent dental issues that bacteria can cause. Without them, keeping the bacteria at bay and your teeth clean can be hard. If you are experiencing any dental issues, you may visit us at Smile Family Dentistry or you may give us a call at 925-825-1130 today. |