How To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Safe

How To Keep Your Toothbrush Clean And Safe

 

Because one of the main purposes of a toothbrush is to remove bacteria from your mouth, it’s important to keep your toothbrush sanitary and free of bacteria.

Keep these tips in mind to keep your toothbrush clean and safe:

 

Keep it covered on the road, but not at home. When you travel, put your toothbrush in a travel toothbrush holder-don’t let it roll around uncovered in your suitcase or toiletry bag where it can pick up dust, dirt, and bacteria. But don’t store a toothbrush in a toothbrush holder at home-the chronically moist environment can promote bacteria growth. If you must use a covered toothbrush holder frequently, look for one with small holes to let air in. When at home, store your toothbrush upright in a cup or a toothbrush holder that allows it to air dry and has several openings to keep multiple toothbrushes separate.

 

Consider a sanitizer. There are commercially available "toothbrush sanitizers," but there’s no solid evidence to suggest that they actually keep toothbrushes cleaner than simply rinsing them with water after use and allowing them to dry. If you want to try a sanitizer, look for one that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for "reducing bacterial contamination that occurs naturally on toothbrushes." Be suspicious of sanitizing products that make unrealistic claims. And never try to clean your toothbrush by putting it in the dishwasher or microwave; the high temperatures can damage the brush.

What is a Dental Hygenist?

What Is a Dental Hygienist? Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who focus on preventing and treating oral diseases-both to protect teeth and gums, and also to protect patients' total health. They are graduates of accredited dental hygiene education programs in colleges and universities, and must take a written national board examination and a clinical examination before they are licensed to practice. In addition to treating patients directly, dental hygienists may also work as educators, researchers, and administrators. What Do Dental Hygienists Do?

Each state has its own specific regulations and the range of services performed by dental hygienists varies from one state to another. As part of dental hygiene services, dental hygienists may:

• perform oral health care assessments that include the review of patients' health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, and evaluation of gum disease / health;
• expose, process, and interpret dental radiographs (x-rays);
• remove plaque and calculus (“tartar”) from above and below the gumline using dental instruments;
• apply cavity-preventive agents such as fluorides and sealants to the teeth;
• administer local anesthetic and / or nitrous oxide analgesia;
• educate patients on proper oral hygiene techniques to maintain healthy teeth and gums;
• counsel patients about plaque control and developing individualized at-home oral hygiene programs;
• administer smoking cessation programs; and
• counsel patients on the importance of good nutrition for maintaining optimal oral health. 

Where Do Dental Hygienists Work?

Clinical dental hygienists may work in a variety of health care settings such as private dental offices, schools, public health clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, correctional institutions, nursing homes or in a corporate environment. In addition to the clinical role, dental hygienists may also work in an administrative capacity in any of the above locations.

 

What Does the "RDH" Designation Mean?
The "RDH" means Registered Dental Hygienist. The RDH credential identifies a dental hygienist as a licensed oral health professional. State licensure requirements typically indicate that a dental hygienist must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene education program, successfully pass a national written examination and a state or regional clinical exam. (In Indiana, the designation LDH [Licensed Dental Hygienist] is used instead of RDH.)