Everyone knows the golden oral hygiene rule: visit the dentist at least twice a year for a check-up. But even if the trip is covered by your trusted medical aid plan, you want to avoid unplanned trips to the dentist at all costs.
That’s why you brush, floss and rinse daily, but what
more can you do to ensure a super healthy smile?
Studies done by dental professionals say that “there is insufficient clinical evidence to
support that bacterial growth on toothbrushes will lead to specific adverse
oral or systemic health effects”. So, there is no reason to be too
compulsive, your toothbrush is not going to make you sick.
But, for hygienic
purposes, since microorganisms can be
transferred onto toothbrushes, you must still:
- · Buy a new toothbrush at least three times a year.
- · Use a toothbrush cover when you travel. However, only use a cover when your toothbrush is dry.
- · Never share a toothbrush, or store it so that the bristle touches another toothbrush.
- · Make sure that you rinsed the toothpaste off properly.
Even though you should
buy a new toothbrush regularly, you can still take extra measures by keeping
the toothbrush that you currently have extra clean.
Every week or so, you
can:
- · Scrub your toothbrush holder nice and clean.
- · Disinfect your toothbrush head by soaking it in alcohol or boiling water. Ultraviolet light can also disinfect a toothbrush!
Some extra tips:
- · Rinse your mouth with mouthwash (it doesn’t have to be a lot), before you brush your teeth, too. This will clean away a good mount of bacteria!
- · Really, really don’t use your teeth as a tool to try and get anything open. It damages your tooth enamel and makes you more susceptible to dental problems.
- Make sure you are on a medical aid scheme that will cover you in case of a dental emergency. If there is a serious problem in your mouth, you need to be assured that you can take care of the problem immediately. Compare your medical aid plan online, if you are unsure about your dental benefits.
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