Spring is in the air and that means it’s time to spring clean. As you’re scrubbing the living room, kitchen and bathrooms keep in mind that your mouth and the tools used to clean it need to be kept clean too.

Keeping your toothbrush clean goes far beyond rinsing it off with hot water after each use. To start, keep your toothbrush at least 6 feet from the toilet. Any closer would give a whole new meaning to the term “potty mouth.”

Since you use your toothbrush at least twice a day, it begins to wear down. When bristles break down they become less effective and can damage gum tissue. Broken bristles are also a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3-4 months.

If you or a little one is sick, take precautions to keep your dental tools clean too. Germs from your toothbrush can also pass onto the edges of a toothpaste tube. If you or your little one is sick, you should put toothpaste on a clean finger and then onto your toothbrush. This will help prevent spreading your sickness to others.

So, as the weather gets warmer and spring is upon us, don’t forget how important it is to keep your mouth clean.