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Advice for Cleaning your Toothbrush

As everyone knows, a toothbrush’s main job is to help you clean your teeth and eliminate residual plaque and bacteria. But what keeps our toothbrush clean? According to the Journal of the American Dental Association, the most basic way is to simply rinse the brush with tap water after you brush your teeth. This will help clear out any remaining toothpaste or food particles that may have gotten lodged between the bristles.

Once you’ve rinsed off your toothbrush, it’s important to store it in an upright, open-air position. Many people keep their brushes enclosed in a case or drawer, but the ADA suggests that this practice can encourage bacteria growth due to the moisture of a closed container. However, even if you do store your toothbrush in an upright, open container, make sure it is not touching any other toothbrushes that might be in the bathroom. This could cause bacteria to transfer from one person’s toothbrush to another.

Finally, one of the most important habits a person should get into when it comes to keeping toothbrushes clean is to replace it regularly. While the recommended time period varies between dentists and organizations, most suggest replacing your brush every two to four months. Signs that your brush needs to be replaced include noticeable fraying and wear, smashed or split bristles, and a lower level of effectiveness.

Children and people with braces are likely to need more frequent replacements due to uneven brushing and roughness on the bristles. Talk to your True Care membership dentist about your unique brushing habits to figure out what guidelines fit your lifestyle best. He or she will be able to give you more personalized recommendations and help you maintain a clean and effective toothbrush schedule.

THIS PLAN IS NOT INSURANCE. THIS IS NOT A MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN.*
This plan does not meet the minimum creditable coverage requirements under M.G.L. c. 111M and 956 CMR 5.00. The plan provides discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. The range of discounts will vary depending on the type of provider and service. The plan does not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. Plan members are obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the discount medical plan organization. You may access a list of participating health care providers at this website. Upon request the plan will make available a written list of participating health care providers. You have the right to cancel within the first 30 days after receipt of membership materials and receive a full refund, less a nominal processing fee (nominal fee for MD residents is $5). Discount Medical Plan Organization and administrator: Careington International Corporation, 7400 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034; phone 800-441-0380.

The program and its administrators have no liability for providing or guaranteeing service by providers or the quality of service rendered by providers. This program is not available in Montana and Vermont. *Medicare statement applies to MD residents when pharmacy discounts are part of program.