Sharing a toothbrush isn’t just a little gross, it’s also pretty unsanitary. Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) explicitly recommend having your own toothbrush. That’s because sharing a brush also means sharing bacteria and germs, which for people with weakened immune systems or infectious diseases could be very problematic.

In addition to not sharing your toothbrush, the ADA also recommends that you rinse your toothbrush after every use and store it an upright position. Brushes should not be routinely stored in closed containers (such as travel cases) and should be allowed to dry in the open air. If multiple brushes are stored in the same holder, they should not be allowed to touch one another. It’s recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

When it comes to preventing tooth decay and gum disease, it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene. This means flossing once a day and brushing twice, preferably once in the morning when you get up and once at night before you go to sleep.

To learn more about caring for your teeth or to set up a professional teeth cleaning appointment, contact Greenspoint Dental today.