AAP PATIENT PAGE

ORAL HYGIENE Maintaining and Protecting Your Oral Hygiene Equipment o you know what car oil of gum disease, than the worn sooner if the bristles appear worn D and toothbrushes have in brushes. or you've had a cold or flu to pre- common? Both are designed to In addition to the wear and tear vent possible reinfection. clean away dirt and contaminants, your toothbrush goes through • Clean the cover or container of- should be replaced every three everyday; overtime it also can be- ten to kill potentially harmful bac- months or sooner, and both be- come contaminated with bacteria, teria that could cause periodontal come ineffective when deteriora- blood, saliva and toothpaste. Al- diseases, a serious bacterial infec- tion sets in. You know when it’s though the Centers for Disease tion that destroys the attachment time to change your car oil, but do Control and Prevention (CDC) is fibers and supporting bone that you know when it’s time to replace unaware of any adverse health ef- holds teeth in the mouth. your toothbrush? fects directly related to toothbrush Do not: Look at the tooth- use, a recommendation is to rinse • Share your toothbrush. Accord- brush. Are the bristles the toothbrush thoroughly with ing to the CDC, the exchange of bent or frayed? When water following brushing and to tap body fluids from sharing tooth- was it last replaced? off excess water. You may brushes could increase the risk for The American Dental also want to consider infections. Association (ADA) the following to protect • Re-use or share the same disin- says that toothbrushes your toothbrush from fecting solutions or mouthwashes should be replaced every bacteria. to disinfect your toothbrushes. 3-4 months, or sooner. Do: This may lead to cross-contamina- When bristles become • Wash your hands tion. worn-out, they lose their before and after • Routinely cover toothbrushes or effectiveness. brushing. store in closed containers. This cre- In a study published in • Allow the brush to ates a humid environment that is the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, air-dry after each use. The bacteria more susceptible to bacterial people were given new and artifi- most harmful will die when exposed growth. cially used toothbrushes (these to oxygen. • Use a community toothbrush brushes were worn down by a ma- • Store the toothbrush in an up- holder. If you must, clean it often, chine to simulate three months of right position, so water drains from and make sure the bristles do not use). The new toothbrushes re- it and it dries faster. touch one another. moved significantly more plaque • • Replace it every 3-4 months or Touch the toothpaste tube to and gingivitis - the earliest stage your toothbrush. ☺ "Brush-Up" on Brushing Your Teeth and Gums Now that you’re committed to method on the inside of the back ask your periodontist or dental For more maintaining your hygiene teeth. Move the brush in short, care provider. information equipment, you’ll want to gentle but firm strokes, keeping Don’t forget to floss. There’s “brush up” on your technique. it angled against the gumline. no clear answer on whether it’s visit Selecting a toothbrush: To clean the inside surfaces of better to floss first then brush www.perio.org Look for a toothbrush that has the upper and lower front teeth, or brush then floss. Flossing first the ADA Seal of Acceptance hold the brush vertically. Make may loosen plaque, which can and soft-bristles. The size and several gentle back-and-forth then be brushed away with your shape of the brush should fit strokes over each tooth and its toothbrush. your mouth. surrounding gum tissue. Don't skip the professional Step-by-Step: To clean the To clean the biting surfaces of visits. Professional cleanings at outside surfaces of your teeth, your teeth, use short gentle least twice a year are necessary position the brush at a 45-de- strokes. Since the toothbrush can to remove calculus from places gree angle where your gums clean only one or two teeth at a your toothbrush and floss may and teeth meet. Gently move time, change the position of the have missed. And, a profes- the brush in a circular motion brush as often as necessary to sional evaluation can determine FOR several times using short, reach and clean all tooth sur- if you have periodontal diseases. gentle strokes. Apply light pres- faces. If you have any questions, PATIENTS sure to get the bristles between The American Academy of Periodontology Patient Page is a public service of the AAP and the teeth. This should not cause should not be used as a substitute for the care and advice of your personal periodontist. There discomfort. Use the same may be variations in treatment that your periodontist will recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Call 1-800-FLOSS-EM for a free brochure on periodontal disease. AAP Patient Page, July-September 2004, Vol. 5, No. 3