Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry
Brushing your teeth is a great daily habit, but not letting your toothbrush dry is a bad habit to get into. Your toothbrush can become ineffective or even bad for your teeth when you don’t give it a chance to dry after you use it.
Problems with Wet Toothbrushes
Letting water sit on your toothbrush bristles can increase the risk of damaging them. Your bristles eventually become worn down with regular use, but leaving them wet might speed this up. A toothbrush with damaged bristles can’t clean your teeth effectively. This means you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay as plaque builds up on teeth surfaces. Keep in mind that when you or your children wear metal braces fitted by an orthodontist, this risk of plaque buildup from improper cleaning can be even higher.
Not allowing your toothbrush to dry also means that you’re creating a potential breeding ground for mold. Using a toothbrush with mold growing on it is unhygienic and harmful for your teeth. When you’re not giving your brush time to dry, you could also be leaving bits of food sitting on the bristles or between them. When you brush your teeth, you’re exposing them to this decaying matter and increasing your risk of bringing germs into your mouth.
Letting Your Toothbrush Dry
Storing your toothbrush properly allows it to dry completely. Leave it in an upright position in a cup or other holder that lets it air out. Make sure you rinse it off before each use to make sure no germs are on it. When you or your children have metal braces or Invisalign to straighten teeth, it’s even more important to ensure that you’re using a clean toothbrush at all times.
Call Papandreas Orthodontics to Schedule Your First Orthodontic Appointment
Dr. Samuel Papandreas provides expert orthodontic care for adults, teenagers and children at his facilities in:
• Brunswick, Ohio
• North Royalton, Ohio
His patients are fitted with customized orthodontic devices that include:
• Braces – color-matching ceramic or metal devices
• Retainers – worn at night when your braces are removed
• Invisalign aligners – clear plastic devices
• Palatal expanders – worn before your orthodontic treatment begins
You can schedule an appointment with Papandreas Orthodontics to learn about the best type of orthodontic treatment for you and your children to improve your smile correct your dental bite.
Papandreas Orthodontics
3511 Center Road, Suite B
Brunswick, OH 44212
tel: 330-558-9092
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14200 Ridge Rd
North Royalton, OH 44133
tel: 440-582-8585
https://drpapandreas.com/
Tooth brushing Mistake No.9: “Not Letting the Toothbrush Dry