Do you ever think about toothbrush maintenance? Most people do not. They just simply brush their teeth each day and go on about their business. The truth is, though, that taking care of your toothbrush is important. If you want to start doing this, here are five tips to consider using to help you care properly for your toothbrush.

Store It in a Dry Spot

If you place your toothbrush in a sealed container, it will never get a chance to dry out. When storing a toothbrush in a sealed container, you pose the risks of the germs lingering on the toothbrush until the next time you use it. In other words, you are putting a germ-filled toothbrush in your mouth to clean your teeth. If you let it air dry instead, the toothbrush will have far fewer germs lingering on it, so it will be cleaner when you use it next time.

Replace It Every 3 Months and After Being Sick

Next, make sure you get in the habit of replacing your brush at least four times a year. Every three months is the perfect schedule to have, and you should always replace it too after a major illness. If you brush your teeth while you are sick, you could keep getting sick from exposing yourself to the same germs, because the germs would be on the toothbrush.

Choose a Brush with Soft Bristles

Choosing the right type of toothbrush is also an important part of toothbrush maintenance, and the best type is one with soft bristles. Bristles harder than this will often damage teeth while you use the toothbrush, so you should avoid medium or hard bristles.

Soak Your Toothbrush Weekly

It may also be a good idea to soak your toothbrush once a week, and there are many ways to do this. The easiest option is to pour mouthwash in a cup and place your toothbrush in the mouthwash face down for about one minute. This will help kill germs on the toothbrush, leaving it cleaner for your mouth.

Rinse Well with Hot Water After Each Use

Finally, you should rinse your brush well after each use, and you should use hot water to do this. This will help rinse off the bacteria and germs, leaving the brush cleaner for you to use.

If you have questions about toothbrushes, toothpaste, or anything else, talk to your family dentist. A dentist can answer all your questions and give you the advice you are looking for.