Germs living on my toothbrush? Say it ain’t so!

You may have heard talk about the germs that can reside on your toothbrush and thought, “really?”

It’s true—there are several kinds of bacteria that can lurk on the bristles of your toothbrush, including streptococci, staphylococci, Herpes Simplex I, and the Influenza virus. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria, Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team want you to consider the following three tips:

Wash your hands before and after brushing.
Allow the brush to air dry after each use, as harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen. It is best to disinfect your toothbrush weekly and allow it to dry in between use. Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or after being ill. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to give us a call at our New York, NY office or ask us on Facebook if you have any questions!

You Might Also Enjoy...

Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

No — not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. But you might if your mouth doesn’t have room for this third set of molars or if problems develop as they grow in. Here’s how to tell whether yours need to come out.

Is a Dental Implant the Best Option After a Tooth Extraction?

When your tooth is doing more harm than good, you’re better off having it pulled. But leaving a vacancy is bad for your oral health. Fortunately, you have several replacement options. Here’s why a dental implant is best.

What Is the Purpose of Wearing a Mouthguard?

You see pro athletes habitually chewing on their mouthguards and wonder if those little pieces of plastic really do any good. You might be surprised by the many benefits they offer — and not just for athletes.

How a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) Can Help You Sleep

Do you rattle the roof with your loud snoring and prevent your household from getting a good night’s rest? Or do you sleep next to someone who does? You need to get MAD — that is, a mandibular advancement device that stops snoring. Check it out here.

Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?

To pull or not to pull — that’s the question. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed, but not everyone has to. Get the final answer about wisdom teeth extractions here.

My Child Has a Fear of the Dentist: How Can I Help?

Foot stomping, head shaking, tightly clamped lips, and full-on tantrums are just a few signs that your kid might be scared of a dental visit. If this sounds familiar, we have some practical tips to help your youngster overcome dental anxiety.