The common household toothbrush. Every Fort Worth home has at least one, and hopefully all Fort Worth residents are brushing their teeth after each meal. While cosmetic dentistry and a complete smile makeover seem to be all the rage these days, daily brushing is still the most important thing you can do for your oral health.
It has been said that each toothbrush can contain millions of bacteria. But don’t worry, those bacteria come from our mouths, which harbor equal amounts of bacteria. For a person with a healthy immune system, these bacteria pose no threat.
However, a few common sense tips might keep any unnecessary germs from affecting the toothbrushes of Fort Worth area family dentistry patients.
First, be sure to store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, and close the toilet lid before flushing. Each flush of the toilet releases a spray of bacteria into the air, so it’s best to just eliminate the spray.
Next, since bacteria like a moist environment, store your toothbrush upright and without a travel case so that it can dry completely between uses.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Brushing and flossing are the key to good oral health, and doing both each day will keep Fort Worth dental patients’ risk for gum disease, cavities, and bad breath low.
Keep your smile bright by visiting Stephen Ratcliff, Family & Cosmetic Dentistry regularly and practicing proper oral hygiene.
Dr. Stephen Ratcliff has been a dentist in the Fort Worth area since 1990. We can answer any questions you have about cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear braces.
Call to schedule an appointment today!
