Toothbrushes need intimate care
Mar 13, 2007
Have you ever thought about any special care for that intimate item called a toothbrush? A protective device can also become a harmful one. Take an example of a toothbrush kept just above the toilet seat! Imagine the splash that follows flushing actually lodging within the bristles of your toothbrus
By Cathy Mwesigwa
Have you ever thought about any special care for that intimate item called a toothbrush? A protective device can also become a harmful one. Take an example of a toothbrush kept just above the toilet seat! Imagine the splash that follows flushing actually lodging within the bristles of your toothbrush! That is a free mode of ‘transport’ for germs to your mouth during brushing!
A toothbrush is important in cleaning the oral cavity (mouth) to get rid of germs. However, if the toothbrush is not well cleaned or is contaminated with germs and dirt from its environment or is very old and frayed, then it becomes a risk to the user. You must learn how to care for the toothbrush.
Buying a toothbrush
When buying a toothbrush, look at and, if possible, feel the bristles. These should be soft because they are gentler on the gums. Some toothbrushes are so tough and stiff that they damage the gums and the tooth surfaces. The toothbrush head should be of a reasonable size to fit in your mouth comfortably and reach the hard-to-reach back teeth. However, it should not be so small that it takes you the whole day to get to every corner of your mouth. There are special sized toothbrushes for children.
Modernity has availed an electric/powered toothbrush. A powered toothbrush can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited hand movements or weakness in the arms. Unfortunately, these brushes are not readily available in Uganda.
Toothbrush lifespan
Dentists recommend that a toothbrush should be replaced at least every 3-4 months. However, this could even be too long depending on individual use. Look out for signs of fraying or loss of shape of the bristles. An old toothbrush cannot clean your teeth effectively and it will rub the teeth instead of brushing them, which causes wear.
Cleaning a toothbrush
The mouth is home to millions of germs. As such, a toothbrush is contaminated after every use. After brushing, wash the toothbrush under running water and allow it to air-dry in an up-right position. Even when on trips, store away the toothbrush only after it has dried. Do not store a toothbrush in a closed container or in a wet or moist environment because such conditions allow germs to grow and increase in number.
Toothbrush infection
If several toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, avoid contact between any two because this encourages spread of infections. Do not share toothbrushes. Keep your toothbrush away from your toilet (at least ten metres).
Some experts recommend that an antiseptic mouthwash should be used to soak the toothbrush after washing, to reduce the number of germs that may not be removed with water. However, this is an extreme measure that has not been proved.
Remember, you need clean, healthy teeth and gums for that beautiful smile!
The writer is a dentist at Mulago Hospital
Have you ever thought about any special care for that intimate item called a toothbrush? A protective device can also become a harmful one. Take an example of a toothbrush kept just above the toilet seat! Imagine the splash that follows flushing actually lodging within the bristles of your toothbrush! That is a free mode of ‘transport’ for germs to your mouth during brushing!
A toothbrush is important in cleaning the oral cavity (mouth) to get rid of germs. However, if the toothbrush is not well cleaned or is contaminated with germs and dirt from its environment or is very old and frayed, then it becomes a risk to the user. You must learn how to care for the toothbrush.
Buying a toothbrush
When buying a toothbrush, look at and, if possible, feel the bristles. These should be soft because they are gentler on the gums. Some toothbrushes are so tough and stiff that they damage the gums and the tooth surfaces. The toothbrush head should be of a reasonable size to fit in your mouth comfortably and reach the hard-to-reach back teeth. However, it should not be so small that it takes you the whole day to get to every corner of your mouth. There are special sized toothbrushes for children.
Modernity has availed an electric/powered toothbrush. A powered toothbrush can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited hand movements or weakness in the arms. Unfortunately, these brushes are not readily available in Uganda.
Toothbrush lifespan
Dentists recommend that a toothbrush should be replaced at least every 3-4 months. However, this could even be too long depending on individual use. Look out for signs of fraying or loss of shape of the bristles. An old toothbrush cannot clean your teeth effectively and it will rub the teeth instead of brushing them, which causes wear.
Cleaning a toothbrush
The mouth is home to millions of germs. As such, a toothbrush is contaminated after every use. After brushing, wash the toothbrush under running water and allow it to air-dry in an up-right position. Even when on trips, store away the toothbrush only after it has dried. Do not store a toothbrush in a closed container or in a wet or moist environment because such conditions allow germs to grow and increase in number.
Toothbrush infection
If several toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, avoid contact between any two because this encourages spread of infections. Do not share toothbrushes. Keep your toothbrush away from your toilet (at least ten metres).
Some experts recommend that an antiseptic mouthwash should be used to soak the toothbrush after washing, to reduce the number of germs that may not be removed with water. However, this is an extreme measure that has not been proved.
Remember, you need clean, healthy teeth and gums for that beautiful smile!
The writer is a dentist at Mulago Hospital