Your toothbrush plays a crucial part in your oral hygiene. It helps to keep your teeth clean of bacteria and bad breath. Unfortunately, while your toothbrush does this job, it ends up being dirty over time. It is because it tends to gather all the bacteria and dirt. Bacteria that make your mouth smell terrible can also make your toothbrush smell bad. This can be a concern if the awful smell stays on the toothbrush even after washing it with water.
There are five reasons why your toothbrush might smell bad. Read this article to find out.
NOT CHANGING TOOTHBRUSH ON TIME
It will help if you change your toothbrush every 3-4 months. This is because toothbrush bristles tend to get frayed and gather bacteria. An average life span of a toothbrush is about four months. You should keep track of your toothbrushes to make sure you are changing them.
NOT MAINTAINING ORAL HYGIENE
Dental diseases like halitosis, gum problems and plaque buildup can make your toothbrush smell bad. Poor oral hygiene is a reason for this. When you brush your teeth, these plaque deposits and bacteria can get to your toothbrush. Over time, your toothbrush will get stinkSoore, consult your dentist and get proper treatment when you notice bad breath or plaque buildup.
COVERING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Covering a toothbrush does more harm than good. You might think that covering your toothbrush is protecting it from germs; this is wrong! Covering a damp toothbrush will not let it dry. Instead, it stays moist for a longer time and develops a smell. Because moisture is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. So, please don’t fall for toothbrush covers; instead, let your toothbrush air dry after each use.
NOT RINSING THE TOOTHBRUSH PROPERLY AFTER USE
Another reason that your toothbrush smells bad is not cleaning it properly after use. Rinsing the toothbrush with water is very important as this will retain its freshness prevent bacteria buildup.
IMPROPER PLACEMENT OF TOOTHBRUSH
Keeping toothbrushes in the right place is very important. Unfortunately, we often time keep it too close with other toothbrushes. This can transfer bacteria from other wet toothbrushes and result in cross-contamination. To prevent this, keep your toothbrush at a safe distance from other toothbrushes.
Or sometimes, the toothbrush is kept in a place where it is more prone to get bacteria is also a reason. A solution to this problem is to keep your toothbrushes upright or a well-lit area so they can dry quickly.
BAD WATER QUALITY
This water that is running in your taps may not be of good quality; this, in turn, can make the bristles of your toothbrush stinky. Check your water if you don’t find any other reasons for the foul smell coming from your toothbrush. Water quality varies in each area, and water in some areas will have an unpleasant odor. If the water is safe for use, it should be suitable for brushing your teeth. But, if the smell remains, change to filtered water and notice if the smell from the toothbrush goes away.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN SICK OR HAD AN INFECTION
A crucial point that is usually ignored. If you have recently been sick and continue using the same toothbrush, the chances are that it has got some germs. This can make your toothbrush stink. And if you don’t clean your toothbrush, there is a possibility of getting sick again by re-infection. To prevent this, throw the toothbrush away and replace it with a fresh one. Do this each time you get sick.
Now that you know the reasons for a smelly toothbrush, how can you eliminate the bad smell and avoid germs? Here are some tips to avoid the smell and keep your toothbrushes clean:
- Clean your toothbrush thoroughly. After brushing your teeth, run your toothbrush under the water until all the toothpaste comes clean from it. Shake it afterward to remove excess water. This will help it dry quickly.
- Make sure to give your brush enough time between each use to dry completely. Once it dries completely, it is ready to use again.
- Store your toothbrush upright in an open toothbrush holder on your bathroom counter. Or near the window is ideal, as this will allow it to air dry. Also, when storing it in the toothbrush holder, keep each brush in a separate section. This will avoid cross-contamination.
- Soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash or vinegar for 15 minutes once a week. This is a great way to keep the bad smells at bay.
- Mark your toothbrush with a date on it, so you know when to replace it.
A clean toothbrush and regular flossing help maintain good oral hygiene. Follow these tips and make sure to get a proper dental follow-up regularly.