Replacing your toothbrush is a crucial step in maintaining a healthy mouth. Women’s Health reports that a University of Manchester study found that over 10 million bacteria — including E. coli and Staph — can exist on a typical toothbrush.
Related: Your Pet Could Be Making You Sick
There are some super-easy ways to keep your toothbrush (and therefore, your mouth) clean. First, give your toothbrush a thorough rinse when you’re finished to remove lingering bacteria and toothpaste.
Then, mark your calendars and replace your toothbrush every three to four months. Maria Lopez Howell, MD, a San Antonio dentist and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association, explains that worn toothbrush bristles are “a sign that it’s not going to work as effectively at removing built-up plaque from your teeth and gums.”
Related: Why You Get Stage Fright When You Use A Public Restroom
And, definitely don’t share your toothbrush with your partner. As Dr. Howell explains, “different people have different amounts of bacteria in their mouths, so why take the risk? Not sharing is caring in this instance.”
Click through to Women’s Health for more toothbrush tips. (Women’s Health)
Related: Grey's Anatomy's Most WTF Medical Cases — Analyzed And Ranked