Do you disinfect your toothbrush?
There is a reason why you should do it.
The toothbrush can accumulate bacteria after each use, so we must disinfect it using, for example, a little baking soda.
Oral hygiene with the help of a toothbrush is essential, but how well do we take care of our toothbrushes? It is vital to disinfect the toothbrush for a specific reason that we reveal below, and we also explain how to do it with natural remedies.
Oral health is something we can achieve with the excellent use of a toothbrush, which to be really effective has to be in good condition, that is, always clean and disinfected.
Let's not forget that it is also necessary to visit the dentist and have our teeth cleaned at least once or twice a year, but going back to our toothbrush, we should think of it as the tool that makes it possible for our teeth to always look perfect.
Toothbrushes are the ones that play an important role in participating in the cleaning of the oral cavity while ensuring the cleanliness of the teeth to avoid both caries and plaque. The toothbrush also helps in cleaning the tongue, often forgotten, but we must remember that it is an organ of the mouth that must be cleaned well because it could be responsible for bad breath. Therefore, the toothbrush is also, in a way, the solution for bad breath.
But it is not enough to wash the toothbrush with running water; it is necessary to clean it well and disinfect it because, if not doing it correctly, the bacteria in the toothbrush will be transferred to the oral cavity. In addition, we must keep in mind that the toothbrush should be replaced every 2 months and disinfected frequently and well, let's find out how.
Tips for disinfecting your toothbrush properly.
Water and baking soda are undoubtedly the perfect solutions to eliminate germs and bacteria from your toothbrush. All we have to do is to put some water and some baking soda in a cup, then immerse the toothbrush inside. Let it soak for 2 hours, then rinse with cold running water. As an alternative to baking soda, you can use vinegar.
For the same purpose, you can also use hydrogen peroxide, in which the head of the toothbrush will be left to soak overnight, or you can also use the same chlorhexidine that we use for rinses.
These natural remedies are effective, but they are not enough;;; here, we will explain how to proceed to ensure a clean and well-disinfected toothbrush.
- After brushing your teeth, leave the toothbrush under running water and clean between the bristles; this should be done after each use. Remember to remove all traces of toothpaste, then run the toothbrush under a stream of warm water.
- Don't forget the toothbrush handle, which we often overlook, but toothpaste residue and dirt can also form on the hold.
After a thorough cleaning of the toothbrush, it is also necessary to pay attention to conservation to protect the bristles.
- The brushes should be stored in a dry place away from dust; it is preferable to cover the bristles with a plastic cap. Still, after rinsing the toothbrush, it is essential to dry the strands well to prevent moisture from causing bacterial proliferation. Once our toothbrush is dry, we can then proceed to place the cap on top of the toothbrush.
- The toothbrush should be stored in an upright position and not in a drawer or cabinet because these are spaces where there is no ventilation. The advice is to put the brushes in a suitable brush holder and clean it frequently.
- Always wash your hands before using the toothbrush.
- Replace the toothbrush every 2-3 months: but you can even before this time if you notice that the bristles are dull or frayed. Damaged bristles, in addition to treating bacteria and being less effective, also injure the gums. But you don't necessarily have to throw it away when it has finished its cycle: you can use it for household cleaning of hidden corners.
- Do not share the brush with other family members. This is, in fact, an object that should never be shared with other people to avoid the spread of viruses and bacteria.
