The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Just because the brush is no longer effective in cleaning your teeth, doesn’t mean you have to throw it away. Try these thrifty tips to make your old toothbrushes useful.

• Scrub grime from the kitchen and bathroom sinks. Toothbrushes can get into crevices that your sponge or rag cannot reach, much like dental floss can get in between the crevices in your teeth that your toothbrush cannot reach.
• Clean between the bristles of your hairbrush or between the tongs of your forks.
• Use the long handle to help clean the inside of bottles or cups.
• Wash mud off your shoes.
• Scrub rough spots off of potatoes, pumpkins, and other vegetables.
• Put an abrasive agent on the bristles to help polish your jewelry.
• Spot-clean laundry and carpet by rubbing the area with a toothbrush and cleaning agent.
• Use the brush to make interesting paint splatters on a piece of art.
• Clean your pet’s teeth. Harmful human bacteria are different than dog germs, so reusing your brush won’t harm your pet.
• Use the bristles to clean your blades, chainsaws, and other sharp tools that could injure your fingers.
• Use a dry brush to remove dust around keys on your computer keyboard or remote control.
• Boil the brush handle so you can bend it into a fun shape. One example is a round shape that fits around your wrist like a bracelet.

Before reusing your old brush for other purposes, make sure you disinfect it to prevent contaminating other areas. You should also label your brush so you won’t mix it up with your good toothbrush.
The best use for your toothbrush, however, is to clean your teeth. Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep your teeth and gums healthy. If you don’t brush properly, you could damage your mouth. Visit Dr. Coon to restore any troubled areas in your smile. Contact Grinnell Street Dental in Sheridan, WY at (307) 672-7567 to schedule your appointment.