An easy guide to disinfecting a toothbrush

Brushing the teeth is considered the most important step in ensuring oral health. However, according to Dr. Kami Hoss, most people forget to disinfect their toothbrushes. This step is crucial as a brush can be exposed to germs and dirt even when covered. Here is an easy guide to disinfecting a toothbrush.

Image source: Guardian.co.uk

Image source: Huffingtonpost.com

Washing: Be sure to wash hands before brushing the teeth. After brushing, clean the brush to make sure that no toothpaste or debris remains on the bristles. Don't forget to clean the handle and the back.

Soaking: Dental professionals like Dr. Kami Hoss suggest soaking toothbrushes overnight in mouthwash, baking soda, or hydrogen peroxide. These cleaning agents will keep dirt from building up and will also eliminate the bacteria in the toothbrush. Putting one to two teaspoons of one of these solutions in a cup of water is enough.

Drying: When it comes to drying toothbrushes, it's important to keep them away from each other. Sometimes it's better to leave them to air dry without a cover. It's also better to wash and dry the toothbrush covers. Experts suggest keeping brushes as far away from the toilet as possible. When storing them in a cup or a holder, it's important to keep the brush heads inches apart.

Dentists advise individuals to replace their toothbrush when it softens or shows signs of fraying. In case someone at home gets the flu or other viruses, it's important to keep their toothbrush away to prevent others from sickness. It's also best to dispose of contaminated brushes.

Kami Hoss, MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. Dr. Hoss is also the chief executive of Acceledontics and Howard Healthcare Academy. Follow this blog for more on dental health.

Seven tips in teaching dental hygiene to kids

For many children, practicing dental hygiene is fun. However, for some, it can be daunting or boring. Helping kids have a healthy smile through brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups is a job for parents and teachers.

Image source: kidsdentistree.com

Parents and kids should brush and floss together. This encourages children to follow what their parents do. A parent must show their kid the proper technique to brush and floss so that the latter can mimic the best method in keeping teeth healthy.

Give the child a special brush to keep their interest in brushing. Pick ones that have the child’s favorite cartoon character as the design. Keep track of time in order to teach the child to brush their teeth for a good couple of minutes. Use a sand timer and ask the kid to flip it to begin, and brush until all the sand is at the bottom.

Partner the special toothbrush with a special toothpaste to instill love and pleasure for the activity. While a kid may like the minty flavor of regular toothpaste, reward them for their obedience with a fruity-flavored toothpaste.

Image source: hellokidsdentistry.com

Show content that display good oral health to encourage the child to do the same. Make brushing and flossing twice a day an opportunity to follow a reward system. When a child agrees to visit the dentist for a check-up, be sure to surprise him or her with a fun family activity afterwards. This lets them know that they are appreciated for their obedience, and that taking good care of their teeth reaps rewards.




Kami Hoss MS, DDS, is the CEO of The Super Dentists, the largest pediatric dentistry and orthodontic practice in San Diego. For more updates from Dr. Kami Hoss, subscribe to this blog.

Does brushing your teeth with activated charcoal work?

Image source: huffingtonpost.com

One of the more popular alternative methods of teeth whitening in recent years is brushing using activated charcoal. It is an ingredient being bannered in various dental products lately. But is it really effective?

Most dentists worldwide are still divided on its effectiveness. Some say that it depends on finding the right product, while others outright insist that activated charcoal is not good for your dental hygiene. It this sense, and assuming you really want to try it out, the best recourse is to ask your dentist to distinguish which toothpaste and whitening products that have it really work.

Image source: todaysrdh.com 

Even the American Dental Association (ADA) is cautioning the public that excessive formulations can damage the teeth’s enamel, which will eventually lead to tooth decay. It’s important then to note that products using activated charcoal must pass the abrasiveness test protocol called Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA).

In the first place, buying DIY teeth-whitening products is not recommended. The effects may be quick and the application easy, but, again, the long-term damage to your teeth should be kept in mind. Also, remember that at the moment, not one charcoal product is being recommended by the ADA.

In short, there simply isn’t enough and conclusive research available to provide sufficient evidence of the effectiveness and safety of using activated charcoal.

Dr. Kami Hossis a sought-after author, consultant, inventor, and speaker in the fields of dentistry and business. Dr. Hoss has written articles in numerous professional and community journals and publications and has appeared on various TV segments to discuss topics related to dentistry. For similar reads, visit this blog.