Are You Brushing with Bacteria?
Toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for germs, fungus and bacteria, which after a while can build up to significant levels.
It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every three months. It is also important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat. This is because germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. Also, studies show that airborne bacteria can move from toothbrush to toothbrush (and from other sources in the bathroom), and opportunistic infections, like periodontal disease and common colds/flu, can easily be passed from one person to another if toothbrushes are stored together.
So how should you keep it all clean?
After brushing you should let your toothbrush dry in the open air or in a plastic case with proper ventilation, which helps to reduce the spread of germs. For those of you who are particularly concerned with sanitizing your toothbrush between changes, there are multiple products on the market that use either UV lights or dry steam technology to deep clean and sanitize those bristles. However, if you are debating on whether or not to toss your toothbrush just go see your hygienist at Power Ranch Dental, she will be happy to give you a new one! (480) 988-2282
