Ask Dr. Weiss: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Danny Weiss will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at Weiss Orthodontics if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

A few tips to stay healthy this cold season, from Weiss Orthodontics

We hope you're enjoying your weekend! It's officially cold and flu season, and once again time to remind our patients at Weiss Orthodontics to try and steer clear of that cold that's been going around lately.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, we give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Memphis and Millington offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces.

For the protection of other patients, Dr. Danny Weiss and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

Maintaining and protecting oral hygiene equipment is also important this flu season. To protect your toothbrush from bacteria follow these steps:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace toothbrush after every cold or flu or every 3-4 months when bristles appear worn

Hope this helps! Stay healthy!

- Dr. Weiss and the Weiss Orthodontics team