TOOTHBRUSH CARE & REPLACEMENT

How can I take care of my toothbrush?

To keep your toothbrush and yourself healthy, make sure you let it dry out between uses. Toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for germs, fungus and bacteria, which after a while can build up to significant levels. After using your toothbrush, shake it vigorously under tap water and store it in an upright position so that it can air out.

To prevent cold and flu viruses from being passed between brushes, try to keep your toothbrush from touching others when it is stored. A standard toothbrush holder with slots for several brushes to hang upright is a worthwhile investment in your family's health.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

Most dentists agree you should change your toothbrush every three months. Studies show that after three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque from teeth and gums compared to new ones. The bristles break down and loose their effectiveness in getting to all those tricky corners around your teeth.

It is also important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat. That's because germs can hide in toothbrush bristles and lead to reinfection. Even if you haven't been sick, fungus and bacteria can develop in the bristles of your toothbrush —another reason to change your toothbrush regularly.

How can I protect my toothbrush when travelling?

A plastic toothbrush case will protect toothbrush bristles from becoming squashed or flattened in your travelling kit. After brushing, however, you should let your toothbrush dry in the open air, to help reduce the spread of germs.

McLeod Dental Care always provides you with a new toothbrush & Floss at your regular check up or cleaning visit. Call 905-357-4995 to arrange your appointment 

from Colgate Oral & Dental Health Resource Center

THE CURSE OF THE BLACK TONGUE

If you look in the mirror and notice your tongue is black—don’t panic! Although alarming, a condition called black (or hairy) tongue is a harmless, painless nuisance. The top surface of your tongue is covered by little finger-like projections called papillae (puh-‘pill-i). For reasons unknown, papillae can grow long like fur and might need to be trimmed. The color can range from black, green, orange, and yellow to brown, reacting to the color in foods and chromatic bacteria.

Papillae trap bacteria and yeast creating bad breath and a stale taste in your mouth. This condition can occur at any age; however, we know that, generally, healthy people do not experience black tongue. There are several factors that might cause this condition, including— .

    medications that cause xerostomia (dry mouth).
    using hydrogen peroxide as an oral rinse.
    taking an antibiotic.
    using tobacco products or drinking alcoholic beverages.
    chemotherapy or radiation treatment for head and neck cancer.

You increase your chances of having this condition if you—

    aren’t eating a healthy diet.
    are ill or dehydrated.
    have a compromised immune system.
    have a chronic health issue like uncontrolled diabetes.

The good news is that it is not cancer or anything sinister, and it is easily treated with simple home oral care instructions. It will go away in about two weeks, and there won’t be any complications. However, let us examine your tongue and other oral tissues to rule out harmful conditions.