Toothbrush hygiene in the tropics
Living in tropical North Queensland means very hot and sometimes very rainy summers are a part of life. When the heat and humidity rises, it can be a challenge to keep even the most well-ventilated bathroom completely mould-free. What does this mean for our toothbrush?
Here are 3 easy tips to ensuring your oral home care routine stays hygienic throughout the wet season:
Replace the brush. Whether your bristles are getting shaggy or you notice the first signs of black spots along the brush handle – it’s definitely time to treat yourself to a new toothbrush or soft bristle denture brush, as the case may be. If any part of the brush (bristles or handle) stay wet between brushes, this can promote rapid bacterial growth.
Rinse well. After you finish cleaning your teeth, make sure you turn your attention to rinsing the brush really well under running water to remove any traces of toothpaste or food particles that may have been caught in the bristles.
Air dry. Ensure your brush (both bristles and handle) is able to air dry completely between your morning and evening brushing routine. Mould spores thrive on moisture and can grow quickly when exposed to water.
The same goes for any type of oral appliance – including mouthguards, clear retainers, and even your plastic toothbrush travel case or denture box. Any oral appliance and it’s plastic storage container should be kept thoroughly cleaned and completely dry when not in use and checked for signs of mould before use.
Ensuring your toothbrush is taken care of properly and hygienically is as important as keeping your pearly whites clean, especially when living in the tropics.
Photo by William Warby on Unsplash
