Toothbrushes

If your toothbrush is approaching its 3-month birthday, it's time to get a new one, according to an article in the March 2010 issue of Better Home and Gardens magazine.  Getting a new toothbrush every 3-months is recommended by the American Dental Association.  After 3-4 months, brushes are less effective in removing plaque on your teeth and fighting gum disease.

New toothbrushes also give the brush-off to germs, says Jeffery Hobden, Ph.D., assistant professor of microbiology, immunology, and parasitology at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans. "Although there's an ick factor of having bacteria on your toothbrush, it's your bacteria," says Hobden.  It's important to keep your germs from spreading to other family members.

Besides buying a new brush (look for one with antibacterial bristles), cut down on germs with toothbrush sanitizers (violight.com) or by giving you brush a good soak in an antimicrobial mouthwash.  To prevent cross contamination, avoid sharing, and store brushes in a ventilated holder.