Your toothbrush cleans your teeth and mouth…but how often are you cleaning your toothbrush? Dr. Joe, M.D. of TikTok ventures to guess that the answer to that questions is, “NEVER!” He’s likely right, but stresses that the practice of simply brushing and storing those bristles until the next time is all wrong!
The link between oral health and cardiovascular health has increasingly been explored in recent studies, and the results suggest that the two are more than mere medical acquaintances, so it stands to reason that his suggestion to clean one’s bristles is pretty sound logic. A clean toothbrush is not only more effective, it prevents the introduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi to the mouth. When you think about it, the toothbrush is a an open-air petri dish of sorts. So repeatedly using the same “dirty” toothbrush every time is akin to using the same dirty dish rag on every sink load.
So how does he suggest that we clean the device that cleans our teeth? Simple soap and water. In addition, he recommends a weekly hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash bath for your toothbrush. Oh, and if you’re ever stricken with strep, don’t be a advocate for that plaque mop…just toss it and start fresh!
@drjoe_md Washing your toothbrush with soap and water each night can significantly reduce the accumulation of bacteria, viruses, and fungi on its bristles and handle. This practice helps prevent the introduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth. Also, recent studies have suggested a link between oral bacteria and cardiovascular health, indicating that maintaining oral hygiene might also contribute to heart health. So, a clean toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque, which is crucial not only for dental health but potentially for preventing cardiovascular disease as well. It’s important to thoroughly rinse the toothbrush to remove any soap before use to ensure safety. #dental #hearthealth #healthtips #healthyliving #doctor ♬ original sound - Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺
[TikTok: Dr. Joe, M.D.]
