Your child’s toothbrush is their primary tool for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth! Here are some tips for your kids’ toothbrush care.
Brushing twice daily can help keep your child’s teeth cavity-free, but no tool lasts forever. Like everything, toothbrushes wear out over time, and a misused toothbrush can do more harm than good.
Don’t Share
Every child should have their own toothbrush, and they shouldn’t share it with others. People can unintentionally share sickness and infection by sharing toothbrushes. Having your child use their own brush—especially during sleepovers!— helps keep everyone healthy.
Rinse and Dry
After brushing, your child should thoroughly rinse their brush with clean tap water. Then let the brush air dry in the open. Don’t store the toothbrush in a closed container. Bacteria and mold love moist places. If you store a wet toothbrush in a closed place, the chances that mold and bacteria will grow increase.
Replace Often
Toothbrush bristles fray and split over time, and frayed and split bristles don’t clean teeth as well as new ones. Replace your child’s toothbrush often—at least every 3-4 months. Replace it right away if you see the bristles have frayed or split.
Also, replace the brush if your child has been sick. The old toothbrush may harbor lingering bacteria, and a new brush can help stop the illness from coming back.
Share the Fun!
Finally, share the fun of toothbrush care with your child. Explain why you need to replace the brush and ask their help in remembering to trade old for new. Learning to take care of your teeth isn’t just about learning to brush; it’s also about learning to take care of your brush!
Questions about kids toothbrush care? Contact us today!