You don’t have to be a dentist to know that regular tooth-brushing is the cornerstone of good oral hygiene, but what the average person may not know is that the instrument he uses to clean his teeth may also need cleaning.

A toothbrush’s job is to remove plaque and food particles from the teeth. As a result, it becomes contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva, and even old toothpaste over time. The American Dental Association recommends that people change their toothbrush every three to four months (even if disinfected), but even this may not be enough to keep a toothbrush from becoming contaminated.And since they aren’t required to be sold in a sterile package, a toothbrush can already have bacteria on it right out of the box.

While cleaning your teeth with a “dirty” toothbrush might sound both like a waste of time and rather gross, currently there is no public research indicating that brushing with a contaminated toothbrush will lead to recontamination of the brusher’s mouth, oral infections or other adverse health effects. That said, people with compromised immune systems are recommended to take extra precautions to keep their toothbrushes clean. For those people, as well as anyone who just gets the willies at the thought of using a grimy brush, there are a variety of methods disinfecting, sanitizing and decontaminating a toothbrush.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is one of the most common ways to disinfect a toothbrush. Typically, the brush head is stored in a small plastic container, which aims UV light at it for 6 to 8 minutes before and after brushing. Effervescent disinfecting tablets can also be used to sanitize toothbrushes; water and the tablet combine to create bubbles that sanitize the toothbrush as it soaks (about 10 minutes).

You don’t necessarily have to go out and buy products specifically for disinfecting a toothbrush. Soaking a toothbrush in an antiseptic mouthwash, freezing or boiling the toothbrush or putting it in an automatic dishwasher are all ways in which a toothbrush can be cleaned without buying specialized products.

But before you start boiling water or freezing your toothbrush, read on for a few things you should know about toothbrush disinfection.

Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting a Toothbrush
While the methods described on the previous page are all generally accepted ways to disinfect a toothbrush, some health professionals say that disinfecting is not only pointless, but can also be harmful. The human body is constantly exposed to potentially harmful microbes, and the body defends itself through our barriers of skin and mucous membranes and infection-fighting antibodies. Because of our natural defenses, both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise that toothbrush disinfection is simply not necessary. In fact, it could evenlead to cross-contamination if multiple people use the same disinfectant solution over a period of time. Additionally, the use of dishwashers, microwaves or ultraviolet devices may also damage the toothbrush by wearing down the bristles and making it less effective.

It’s very possible to keep a toothbrush clean without disinfecting it if you follow these easy steps:

Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water after brushing.
Store the brush upright so it can air-dry between uses. If more than one brush is stored in the same holder or area, the brushes shouldn’t touch each other.
Toothbrushes shouldn’t be stored in a cabinet or drawer because dark, moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria.
Check your toothbrush for signs of wear and tear, and replace it more frequently than every three to four months if needed. Children’s toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently than adult brushes.

We don’t know anyone who doesn’t dread going to the dentist. Cavity is the most common problem that makes us make an appointment at a dental clinic. We often associate cavities with sugary treats like candy and soda, but there are other surprising foods that can also damage your teeth. These seemingly harmless culprits can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, leading to an increased risk of cavities and other dental problems. Nutritionist Neha Sahaya and Dentist Dr Reshma Shah reveal three common foods that are harmful to your teeth. The last one is the most shocking, as most people think it’s healthy!

Also Read: 6 Foods One Should Have For Healthy, Germ-Free Teeth

Here Are 3 Foods That Cause Cavities, As Per The Experts:

1. Sticky Candies

Sticky candies like toffee, caramels, and gummies are particularly dangerous for your teeth. These candies cling to your teeth and are difficult to remove with brushing, creating a breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to cavities.   

2. Dry Snacks

Dry snacks like packaged wafers and papads may seem like a healthier alternative to sugary treats, but they can also contribute to tooth decay. These snacks have a high starch content, which can break down into sugars that feed bacteria.

3. Sports Drinks and Packaged Fruit Juices

This one might come as a shock, as sports drinks and packaged fruit juices are often marketed as healthy options. However, these drinks are often loaded with sugar and acids that can weaken your enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to decay.

Also Read: Got A Dental Filling? 5 Foods You Should Abstain From For A Smooth Recovery

Tips For Maintaining Healthy Teeth:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss daily to remove food particles from between your teeth.   
• Limit your intake of sugary and acidic drinks.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking sugary or acidic beverages.
• See your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings.

By being mindful of these foods and practising good oral hygiene, you can help protect your teeth from cavities and maintain a healthy smile.

 

About Neha GroverLove for reading roused her writing instincts. Neha is guilty of having a deep-set fixation with anything caffeinated. When she is not pouring out her nest of thoughts onto the screen, you can see her reading while sipping on coffee.