Most people buy any toothbrush, use it until the bristles are all worn out and leave it stored in a toothbrush holder on their bathroom counter. All three of these things are not the best choices you can make with your toothbrush. For something that goes in the mouth, people should put more care and thought into how they treat their toothbrush. Follow the tips below to choose the best toothbrush and care for it properly.

Choose the right toothbrush

You should go with a quality toothbrush that has a bent handle. This will make it easier for you to reach the different angles to ensure you are brushing all surfaces of your tongue. You can choose a toothbrush with soft bristles, medium bristles or firm bristles. Go with the one that's going to give you the best effect without causing irritation to your gums.

Store your toothbrush correctly

Your toothbrush is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It goes in your mouth at least a couple times a day, where there are many germs. Them it gets stores while it is wet, which makes an inviting atmosphere for bacteria. It often gets stored on the bathroom counter where fecal matter and other germs can make their way onto the bristles.

When you are done with your toothbrush, you should wrap it in toilet paper or a piece of paper towel. Then, put it in your medicine cabinet or in a drawer. You shouldn't store it in a tightly sealed container since it will keep the bristles wet longer, which promotes the growth of bacteria.

Sterilize your toothbrush

You should sterilize your toothbrush a couple times a week to ensure it is free of germs. The easiest way for you to do this is to boil your toothbrush. You only need to keep it in the water until it begins to boil. Keeping it in there too long can cause the plastic to become brittle.  It usually takes about three minutes until the water starts to boil.

Replace your toothbrush

Even if your toothbrush looks to still be in good condition, you should replace it every few months. This will ensure the bristles are still in great shape and doing their job properly.

By following the tips above you'll know your toothbrush can be trusted to clean your teeth. You should also go into the dentist (such as Dr. Jon Douglas Lesan, DDS, RpH, PA) for regular cleanings since your toothbrush can't remove all plaque, no matter how good it is.