Should I Toss My Child’s Toothbrush?
Frayed bristles indicate it’s time for a new toothbrush.
There’s a lot of information surrounding how your child should brush their teeth, and how to care for their oral hygiene, but what about the vital tool for keeping those teeth strong and healthy? How do you keep a toothbrush clean, and how long before it’s time to replace it with a new one? Toothbrush care and replacement is not very complicated, but knowing these simple tips can be all the difference to your child’s smile.
Toothbrush Care & Replacement
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush roughly every 3 – 4 months. Why so often? Because the toothbrush bristles wear over time. This timeline also varies depending on how vigorously the user is brushing. Check your child’s toothbrush every so often, looking at the shape of the bristles. Once the bristles start to become frayed the brush loses its efficiency. This indicates that it is time to replace it with a new one.
It is also important to replace your child’s toothbrush whenever he or she has had a cold, a virus, or an infection in their mouth or throat. This prevents the germs from remaining in your child’s toothbrush and prevents the risk of reinfection.
How to Store Your Child’s Toothbrush
Rinse toothbrush thoroughly before letting it dry.
It is recommended that you rinse the toothbrush with tap water after brushing, regardless of whatever type of toothbrush you or your child uses. Then, store the toothbrush in an upright position so that it can air dry. Try to make sure the toothbrush head is not touching anything as it drys. This is the best way to make sure the toothbrush fully dries without causing bacteria to build up.
When you go on vacation, make sure that the toothbrush container you are using is clean and dry, and that the toothbrush has time to air dry before it is stored in the container. Another option to consider is buying disposable toothbrushes for your family.
If you have any questions regarding this or any other common pediatric dentistry questions, we are happy to help. Call Tooth Fairy Smiles or contact us here.
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