Toothbrushes help us to keep our mouths clean and fresh throughout the day by removing plaque and bacteria. We all use toothbrushes, but how much do we truly know about them? Are you purchasing the correct toothbrush? When you’re done, how do you store your toothbrush?
Would it really matter if your brush has soft or firm bristles? You might be surprised to learn that there’s much you don’t know about your toothbrush! Here are five stereotypes about toothbrushes that aren’t true.
It’s acceptable to share your personal toothbrush with your husband or wife.
In fact, many couples do it because they believe it is safe and acceptable. But, this stereotype isn’t entirely accurate. “It’s probably a good argument,” Dr. Frick says. But, if your partner gets a viral infection, the shared toothbrush may be responsible for the virus’s transmission to you. If someone has more of these germs in their mouth due to poor dental hygiene, using their toothbrush may expose them to a greater risk of decay.
As a result, having your own toothbrush is a good idea. And as much as possible, it’s better to use it alone than share it with someone you love. Doing so is really a low-risk situation.
It’s perfectly acceptable to leave your toothbrush in the shower.
This is something that a number of individuals are doing since they believe it is safe. This one, however, is not recommended. The American Dental Association doesn’t recommend putting your toothbrush in a container or covering it. This is because bacteria grow best in moist places.
Although the bathroom is one of the most germ-infested areas in the house, putting a toothbrush in a damp shower makes it a target for unwelcome bacteria.
It is unusual to brush your teeth only once a day.
It is widely believed to be necessary to brush your teeth and gums at least three times a day. However, most experts agree that brushing once a day is good enough to keep germs and cavities at bay. Yes, you read that correctly.
If you do it right, brushing your teeth once a day is enough to keep your mouth healthy.
Brushing your teeth and gums with shampoo is perfectly OK.
People, particularly in the countryside, may engage in this practice in some way. This, however, is not a safe option. One blog warns, “Stop Brushing Your Teeth with Shampoo,” a mindset that dentists like Dr. Allison Lesko of Fort Collins warn against. “It’s a dangerous slope to call toothpaste shampoo,” she warns.
That’s because sodium lauryl sulfate, while acting similarly in all products, is really not truly shampoo.
People often think it’s fine to brush their teeth with a toothbrush that is too rough.
This belief, however, is incorrect. It is not the stiffness of your toothbrush that cleans your teeth when you buy one. It’s the way you brush your teeth.
Too-rough toothbrushes can cause loss of enamel and gum tissue and be painful if they aren’t used right.
Learn about the other stereotype about toothbrushes that is really untrue.
The old people’s teeth and gums smell like feces.
This is something that most of us might say. Yet, this is not always the case. This is more likely to occur in elderly adults who have poor oral hygiene. Remember that poor dental hygiene can help bacteria and plaque accumulate between and on your teeth. If you don’t floss once a day, food can get lodged between your teeth, causing your breath to smell like excrement. Poor hygiene can cause gum disease, which can cause bad breath.
It’s fine if you don’t brush your tongue.
This isn’t entirely accurate. And don’t go through each day believing this kind of behavior. Remember that your tongue is a germ receptacle and is frequently the source of bad breath.
When you’re finished brushing, clean your tongue with a tongue scraper or with your toothbrush. This can help you breathe better and minimize the quantity of germs in your mouth. As a result, brushing your tongue after brushing your teeth and gums is always a good idea.
Brushing too hard is perfectly OK, especially if you have a lot of plaque.
Brushing your teeth incorrectly is the most common mistake people make. It’s a common misconception that the force with which you brush your teeth cleans them. Cleaning is accomplished via the brush’s action.
Too forceful brushing can wear down your tooth enamel and gums, resulting in tooth sensitivity. You’re brushing too vigorously if the bristles of your tooth brush are fanned out.
FAQs
What’s the deal with my toothbrush turning pink?
You should pay attention if your toothbrush turns pink while brushing your teeth. Gum bleeding is never natural, and the rose hue could be a sign of periodontal disease, an inflammation of the gums that can harm the tissue and bones that support your teeth.
Is pig hair used in toothbrushes?
Although nylon bristles are still used in most toothbrushes, at least one brand uses hair from pigs raised for meat. There are no completely plant-based toothbrushes on the market right now, but manufacturers of brushes with hardwood handles say they’re working on it.
Why does my toothbrush have a fishy odor?
If the bristles of your toothbrush are damp from a previous brush or exude an unpleasant odor, you’re not storing it properly. You should get rid of this toothbrush as soon as possible and replace it with a new one. Your toothbrush and bristles should be clean and dry at all times.
Can I use soap to clean my toothbrush?
Although soap can be used to clean a toothbrush, Listerine and hydrogen peroxide are recommended. This combination works well for removing bacteria and toothpaste buildup. For a few hours, soak it in Listerine, then switch to hydrogen peroxide. Dry the toothbrush in an upright posture to speed up the drying process.
Is it possible to boil toothbrushes?
Although boiling water can be hard on your brush’s plastic, it does an excellent job of eradicating bacteria that has built up over time. To destroy most germs, boil a small saucepan of water on the stove and immerse the head of your toothbrush in it for at least three minutes.