How to soften a toothbrush

Content

Steps
Part 1 of 2: Softening your toothbrush
Part 2 of 2: Caring for your toothbrush
Tips
Warnings
What do you need

Even the softest toothbrushes can wear out and become hard after frequent use. Sometimes even a brand new brush can scratch your gums. You should look after your brush in the same way you look after other personal care products. Only a clean toothbrush can provide good oral hygiene, as a hard and dirty brush is an ideal environment for bacteria to accumulate and can worsen the condition of your oral cavity. To take better care of your teeth, you need to know how to soften and clean your toothbrush and be able to determine when to replace it.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Softening your toothbrush

1 Place the brush under hot water. The best way to soften the bristles on the brush is under hot water. As the water heats up the bristles and is absorbed by the fibers, they will begin to soften and become more flexible.
- Hold your toothbrush by the handle to avoid scalding.
- Wait for the water to heat up, then place the bristles under the stream.
- You can also soak your toothbrush in a cup of hot water, but keep in mind that the water will cool quickly enough. This method is not as effective unless you periodically top up with hot water.
- You should understand that hot water will not only soften the bristles, but it can also make your toothbrush less effective. Hot water can contain metals and other harmful chemicals from your tank or city pipes.
2 Knead the bristles. Some people argue that kneading the bristles of a toothbrush can make them softer and more pliable. This method is mainly used to soften the hairbrush, but it will work with a toothbrush too.
- Take the brush in one hand, and then start rubbing it against the finger or palm of your other hand.
- Press with your finger or palm on the bristles in one direction, and with the other hand gently brush in the opposite direction.
- Change the direction of travel. If before that you pressed with your palm up, and the brush was lowered down, begin to lower your palm down, and the brush - press up.
- Sweep the brush across your palm. Try to stretch the bristles equally on both sides.
- Knead the bristles about 20 times. The bristles should now be soft enough that you can place your toothbrush under hot water to further enhance the effect.
3 Try soaking it in vinegar. A common way to soften a paint brush can be used to soften a hard toothbrush. Warm vinegar is excellent at removing dried paint and softening the nylon bristles of a paintbrush, so it shouldn't be surprising that someone decided to try this method again with a stiff toothbrush.
- Pour enough vinegar into a glass or mug to completely submerge the bristles.
- Preheat your mug in the microwave, but make sure it's safe to put it there first. The vinegar does not need to be brought to a boil, it just needs to be warm to the touch. Check its temperature after 20-30 seconds.
- Dip your toothbrush, bristles down, into a mug of warm vinegar. Make sure the bristles are completely submerged.
- Let them soak for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, rinse the brush under hot water to rinse off any remaining vinegar. You can try kneading the bristles for extra effect.
- If the vinegar taste hasn't gone away, try soaking the brush in a glass of mouthwash overnight. If you use mouthwash regularly, you won't be against the minty taste of your brush.
4 Buy a softer brush. Toothbrushes are generally categorized according to the degree of hardness. They are ultra-soft, soft, medium-hard, and hard. While everyone's preference is different, most dentists recommend using a soft or ultra-soft toothbrush.
- Stiff bristles are more effective at removing plaque, but they can damage your teeth and gums over time.
- Use a soft or ultra-soft brush for more gentle care of your enamel and gums.
- Toothbrushes manufactured in Russia or imported into Russia must comply with GOST 6388-91.

Part 2 of 2: Caring for your toothbrush

1 Rinse and put the brush back in place after use. If you remove your toothbrush right after brushing your teeth, you run the risk of bacteria, mold or mildew growing on it. Wet things, and even those lying in a dark place, as a rule, become a breeding ground for various microorganisms. And if you have toothpaste or food particles on your brush, it will further increase the chances that something will grow on it.
- Rinse the bristles thoroughly under running water after brushing your teeth. If you are worried that bacteria have infested your brush, rinse it under hot water.
- Store your toothbrush upright so the water can drain off the bristles. Allow the brush to air dry before next use.
- Do not cover or store the brush in a closed container. This will increase the risk of microbial growth, which can be avoided by leaving the brush open.
2 Deep clean your toothbrush. Since bacteria naturally coat the inner walls of your mouth, you should brush your toothbrush thoroughly from time to time. It is not necessary to do this too often, but it is a must if you are recovering from an illness, especially if it was caused by an immune disorder. In general, deep cleaning once a month or so is sufficient.
- Soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic / antibacterial mouthwash. Fill a small cup with enough mouthwash, then dip the brush in there with the handle up and leave it there for a while.
- Rinse your toothbrush in the dishwasher. The heat and detergent used in the dishwasher will keep your toothbrush clean and remove all bacteria, but frequent use can melt the brush handle.
- Some people find that soaking the brush in vinegar once a week kills bacteria. Others periodically soak their toothbrushes in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or in a solution of two teaspoons of baking soda in one cup of warm water.
3 Change your toothbrush regularly. The brush is recommended to be replaced with a new one at least once every 3-4 months. You may need to replace your toothbrush even earlier if the bristles wear out during this time.
- Stop using the brush immediately if it injures your teeth or gums or if the bristles are damaged.
- Throw away your old brushes in the trash can and buy a new toothbrush. Toothbrushes are sold in literally every pharmacy, store or personal care department.
- Buy only those brushes that bear the quality mark on the packaging.

Tips

When you buy a new toothbrush, always choose one that is labeled “soft” or “ultra soft”.
Keep your toothbrush under hot water for 15-30 seconds before brushing your teeth. This will soften her bristles.