{"id":247,"date":"2023-09-28T17:41:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T17:41:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/?p=247"},"modified":"2023-10-05T17:41:40","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T17:41:40","slug":"how-to-keep-your-toothbrush-clean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/2023\/09\/28\/how-to-keep-your-toothbrush-clean\/","title":{"rendered":"How To: Keep Your Toothbrush Clean"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Closeup of patient rinsing their toothbrush with water\" class=\"wp-image-248\" width=\"248\" height=\"165\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Picture1-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 248px) 100vw, 248px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>You wouldn\u2019t use a dirty sponge to clean your dishes, right? For the same reason you shouldn\u2019t use a dirty toothbrush to brush your teeth! Don\u2019t worry \u2013 keeping your oral hygiene tools in tip-top shape doesn\u2019t require anything too cumbersome. In fact, you probably already have everything you need at home. So, keep reading to learn how to keep your toothbrush clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Rinse Your Toothbrush Thoroughly with Hot Water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many patients assume that they need a special cleanser to keep their toothbrush bacteria-free. However, the simple act of rinsing the bristles with hot water can go a long way! After you\u2019re done, look for any remaining chunks of food or toothpaste. If needed, rinse thoroughly again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Store Your Toothbrush Where It Can Air Dry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Anaerobic bacteria die in the presence of oxygen. Since this is the type of bacteria that lives on your toothbrush, it\u2019s important not to put yours in a drawer or container after you\u2019re done using it. Instead, allow it to air dry in an open container that isn\u2019t too close to the toilet or someone else\u2019s toothbrush.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Don\u2019t Share Your Toothbrush<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaking of someone else\u2019s toothbrush\u2026 you should never use your child\u2019s, partner\u2019s, or friend\u2019s oral hygiene tools. This can result in the transfer of harmful bacteria, especially if they were recently sick. In other words, it benefits your oral and overall health to only use your own!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remember, You Need to Replace Your Toothbrush Every Quarter!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both recommend replacing your toothbrush every three or four months, even if you are proactive about cleaning it on a daily basis. Over time, the bristles can become worn or otherwise damaged, resulting in your teeth and gums not being cleaned properly. So, set a reminder on your phone or put a Post-It Note on your bathroom mirror so you remember to replace it every quarter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">About the Doctor<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/meet-the-dentist.html\">Dr. Deidra Harrison-McClain<\/a> knew she wanted to work in dentistry when she was still in elementary school! When she graduated cum laude from Tennessee State as well as Meharry Medical College in Nashville, she made that childhood dream a reality. Now, she has experience in everything from family medicine and oral surgery to anesthesia. If you have any questions about your oral care regimen \u2013 whether it\u2019s about proper technique or the products you use \u2013 don\u2019t hesitate to visit her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.goodlettsvillesmiles.com\/contact-us.html\">website<\/a> or call <strong>(615) 819-1644<\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You wouldn\u2019t use a dirty sponge to clean your dishes, right? For the same reason you shouldn\u2019t use a dirty toothbrush to brush your teeth! Don\u2019t worry \u2013 keeping your oral hygiene tools in tip-top shape doesn\u2019t require anything too cumbersome. In fact, you probably already have everything you need at home. So, keep reading [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-247","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How To: Keep Your Toothbrush Clean | Goodlettsville Smiles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you proactive about cleaning your toothbrush? If you aren\u2019t, you should be! 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