Dental 101: Your Toothbrush

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Taking good care of your toothbrush is vital to oral health. It is the main tool with which you brush your teeth, and using a great toothbrush is a key to making oral health habits easier and more pleasant–resulting in you being more willing to stick to them!

When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Medium-to-hard bristles rip up gum tissues and enamel, injuring your mouth and introducing opportunity for dental emergencies. Check the packaging for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to guarantee you are getting a quality product. Toothbrushes should be replaces 3-4 times a year (about once every 3-4 months).

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after use and store in an upright position. This removes toothpaste, plaque, bacteria, and other debris out of the brush, and allows it to drain. Store your brush in a well-ventilated area, away from other toothbrushes.

Never allow toothbrush heads to touch, and never share toothbrushes. Sharing toothbrushes spreads food particles, plaque and bacteria, infection, and disease from person to person. If anyone other than you has used your toothbrush, throw it away immediately and buy a new one as soon as you can.

For more information, call Dowsett Dental Health in Calgary, Alberta, at 403.229.0510. Dr. Nathalie Dowsett and our team look forward to making your smile shine!