Care For Your Toothbrush

Establishing healthy oral care habits from a young age is important, and Kidz Connextion can set children up to have healthy smiles their whole lives.  When following an oral care routine, it’s important to use a clean and effective toothbrush, and rinse and store it properly.  Brushing twice a day means the average toothbrush takes some wear and tear and will need to be replaced. The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.  Some toothbrushes have a color feature that fades with usage, but the best indicator your brush needs to be replaced is frayed or broken bristles.  If you notice these on the sides of your brush, start looking for a replacement.

The way you store a toothbrush has a great deal to do with how effective it is and how long it will last.  Keeping a toothbrush in an enclosed space, especially if still wet, creates an environment where germs and bacteria can grow and multiply before the brush is used next.  The best way to store a toothbrush is upright, like in a cup by the sink or on a hanging device that allows it to air dry.  A great way to make sure kids form healthy oral habits as they grow is to brush your teeth with them. Kids are always watching what their parents do, so take care of your own smile to lead by example!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Toothbrush Care

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Your child may not give much thought to cleaning his or her toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Kidz Connextion, we want you to encourage your child to know when to replace, clean, and store their toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.