Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County: Toothbrush Tips to Prevent Cold and Flu

Tissue and runny-nose season is upon us. The increasingly cold weather makes your children more susceptible to catching a cold or even worse, the flu. Hand sanitizer and the flu shot are great, but you can also help your little ones steer clear of germ collecting on an everyday item- their toothbrush.

Check out the suggestions below from Dentaquest for simple ways to keep your child’s toothbrush clean and healthy!

Replace: Don't wait until the bristles turn soft and shabby. Because of bacteria build-up from daily use, we recommend swapping your child’s toothbrush every two to three months. Brush replacements are especially essential after getting over an illness. Old germs can resonate and keep a previous cold or flu lingering.

Sterilize: There are a few quick ways to do this. You can either place their toothbrush (bristle side down) in a microwave-safe cup with 2-3 inches of water and microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the water boils. If your toothbrush is electric, only put the brush head in the microwave with water, and manually clean the base with a damp paper towel. You can also use the dishwasher. Simply stick the toothbrush in the silverware basket with a load of dishes. Both methods are great for generating steam to disinfecting toothbrushes from those sneaky viruses.

Separate and cover: Toothbrushes do not play well with others. Store yours away from other brushes to eliminate bacteria-hopping. Covers are an easy and cost-effective way to prevent airborne germs from creeping into your brush. Sickness can also spread through household toothpaste tubes. Be conscious of your family members and if you're sick, use a small and separate travel tube.

Wash your hands: It seems like an obvious tip, however making sure your children wash their hands before and after brushing teeth can almost guarantee that no bacteria will enter their mouth.

Consistent habits like these are important for a healthy body and smile- so take care of yourself and your little ones this winter. Please contact Pediatric Dentistry of Suffolk County this cold and flu season if you have any questions or concerns.