Do you brush your teeth in the shower? Delta Dental estimates that 4% of individuals in this country are proponents of this habit. Our question—is it a good habit or a bad habit?
We’re coming clean here (sorry, couldn’t resist) by saying that we’re honestly just happy you’re brushing your teeth and giving this thought! However, while oral hygiene in the shower may seem like a once-size-fits-all way of addressing clean teeth, it’s probably not the best place to do so.
Your shower and bathtub area is a great place to scrub, but, mouth-wise, may also create the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria. The environment is frequently wet and perhaps often shared by others. Your toothbrush housed at the bathroom sink has a better chance of drying out between uses because it’s not as exposed to the direct steam from the shower. Also, brushing in front of a mirror (like most of us do) can help you brush properly (45-degree angle) and help you better remember to floss.
Environmental Tip:
Want to make sure you also save water? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other health experts estimate that leaving the water running while brushing your teeth could waste up to 8 gallons of water each day. The trick is to wet your toothbrush, turn the water off while you brush, and then turn it on again to rinse. Using a reusable cup also helps reduce water usage. If you really want to be careful, salvage the first few seconds of water that are normally wasted by filling up containers with this “test” water you can then use to water your plants!
Interested in learning more about periodontal hygiene? Be sure to ask your hygienist for technique tips during your next (or first!) visit to Pennsylvania Center for Dental Implants and Periodontics. We look forward to seeing you!