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Have you ever thought about how you're cleaning and storing your toothbrush when you're not using it? Did you know that the way you store your toothbrush could have an affect on your oral health? In this post, we'll look at some steps you can take to maximize toothbrush cleanliness and minimize bacteria.

Below are some tips from Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen for toothbrush use and storage:

• Don't share your toothbrush– This may seem obvious, but sharing a toothbrush exposes both users to bacteria and microorganisms from the other user, which can increase chances of infection. You will also want to avoid storing your toothbrush in the same container as other people’s toothbrushes.
• Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use– Rinsing your toothbrush well under running water will help remove food particles, toothpaste, and other debris from the bristles of your brush that you definitely do not want on your braces.
• Store your toothbrush in an open-air container not a sealed one– Putting a wet toothbrush in a sealed container creates a favorable environment for microorganisms and bacteria.
• Soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash after use– There is some evidence to suggest that soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial solution may reduce the amount of bacteria present on the toothbrush.
• Change your toothbrush every three months– The bristles of your toothbrush become less effective and frayed after repeated use so it's a good idea to replace it on a regular basis. It's also wise to replace it after you've been sick.

There are many simple things you can do to make your oral-care regimen as clean as possible. Use common sense when storing your toothbrush—don't put it in a dirty place like the edge of your sink or in the shower (please, not by the toilet!), and keep it upright in a cool dry place—and you're usually good to go. If your toothbrush is looking a little worse for wear, drop by our Longview office and we'll be glad to provide you with a new one, or you can learn about the electric toothbrushes we have too.

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

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If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

The alarm sounds in the morning, you hit snooze, then you finally wake up and realize you forgot to wear your retainer

If this only happened once, don't panic. Missing one night with a retainer is unlikely to cause significant teeth movement. However, if it has happened often, give our team a call to make sure your teeth haven’t shifted position.

Here are some tips from Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen to help you remember your retainer:

1. Write down the instructions we give you for wearing the retainer, whether you should wear it all day or at night, or just a few times a week. Writing things out like this helps set the schedule in your memory.
2. Clean the retainer when you take it out each time. If you don’t you may not have time when you’re rushing to get to work or school to clean it properly and may be tempted not to wear it.
3. Put a note on your mirror or in your purse or wallet reminding you to wear your retainer.
4. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time to put the retainer in. If you have email with a calendar you can set up daily reminders, too.
5. Always put your retainer in its case when you take it out to eat or sleep. This will reduce the risk of losing it or accidentally throwing it away.
6. If you don’t have to wear the retainer every day, you can use some recurring events to help you remember. With this system for example, watching your favorite weekly TV show, laundry day, or family pizza night can all serve as reminders that you should put in your retainer.
7. Don’t be shy about asking for help if you’re forgetful. Assure everyone around you that you won’t consider it nagging if they remind you to wear your retainer.
8. Ask your friends if they have had any teeth shift when retainers were not properly worn. Those stories can serve as a timely warning not to let the same thing happen to you!

Remember, you can always call our team in Longview if you feel your retainer is uncomfortable or painful. We'll work with you to protect your smile!

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.

Of course you are aware that Halloween is just around the corner. For children, this means trick-or-treating is just around the corner as well. If you're a follower of our blog, you also know October is Orthodontic Health Month.

In terms of braces, this photo should help serve as a reminder of the types of foods that are OK to eat when you have braces on, as well as those we should probably avoid.

Regardless of if you or your child are undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or invisalign, it is important to take care of your teeth and be healthy and safe this Halloween season. The American Dental Association recently published a great article on ways to keep your teeth, mouth, and body healthy this time of year.

The ADA recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time you brush. When you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, brushing more frequently is a great way to help combat any sugar bugs from sticking to your orthodontic appliances (braces or invisalign).

Many of our patients ask what is the best type of toothbrush to use. We will have a post coming soon about the different types of toothbrushes, but as a general rule, an electric toothbrush is going to be more effective than a manual toothbrush. Additionally, most electric toothbrushes have a 2 minute timer that makes it easy to know how long you have brushed for and if you have brushed long enough.

Be sure to check back for our post on toothbrushes, and have a safe and happy Halloween!

If you have any additional questions about Mack and Hansen Orthodontics or want to discover how Dr. Spencer Mack and Dr. Andrew Hansen can help you gain straighter teeth and a healthier smile with braces or Invisalign please contact us today! You can also visit www.etxortho.com to learn more about our orthodontists and request a complimentary consult, or you can call us at 903-212-7737. We’re conveniently located in Longview, TX and are just a quick drive from Marshall, Carthage, Henderson, Kilgore, and Gilmer.