When it comes to recycling old toothbrushes, possibilities are endless. The only limit is not to reuse it to clean your teeth! Making sure to switch out a damaged or old toothbrush is key to keeping your teeth are as clean as possible, and preventing possible illness in the long run. While a high-quality toothbrush may last you as long as 3 to 4 months, if you see a marked decay in the state of the bristles, it’s definitely time to switch out Old Faithful. However, you don’t have to throw out that old toothbrush. Here are some things that you can do with your old toothbrush to give it new life.
Arts and crafts.
Old toothbrushes, once cleaned, are a perfect addition to any arts and crafts kit. From being a creative tool to apply paint with, to an easily disposable brush for things like wood stain application, an old toothbrush can add a touch of creativity and a unique texture to any art project. They are also useful for cleaning paint off of surfaces, as the mildly abrasive bristles can help remove some of the paint that might cling to tougher services without damaging the surface itself.
Bathroom scrubber.
Old toothbrushes are also a wonderful addition to any bathroom cleaning kit, as they can act as a finer scrubbing brush for those hard-to-reach corners, such as the upper edge of a shower, or behind your faucet. Just make sure to separate your cleaning toothbrush from your normal toothbrush, or you might be in for an unpleasant surprise.
Fish tank friendly.
On the topic of cleaning, old toothbrushes are the perfect tool to clean out a fish tank, as they fit into those hard-to-reach corners swimmingly. Your average toothbrush is also made out of a form of plastic that won’t harm your fish, so as long as you make sure there are no miscellaneous cleaning products still left on your cleaning toothbrush, they should be safe to use to remove some of that algae buildup from the corners of your tank.
Lip exfoliator.
If you’re not quite ready to part with your old toothbrush as part of your morning routine, it can be useful for exfoliating dead skin off of your lips before applying chapstick. This can contribute to a softer, more luscious appearance to your lips. An old toothbrush can also be useful for taming flyaway hairs that may stick out from your ponytail on humid days. Simply apply a small amount of hairspray to the toothbrush head, and smooth down those baby hairs.
Most important…
While there are many ways to use an old toothbrush, making sure that you have a new toothbrush standing by is the most important step! A fresh toothbrush to help keep the surface of your teeth as clean as possible is crucial to preserving your dental health. Making sure to switch out your toothbrush once every 3 months, and after any large sickness that goes through your household, can help keep you happy and healthy in the long run. Besides, if you don’t switch out your toothbrushes, how will you ever get try out any of our wonderful uses for old toothbrushes?
Our favorite way for you to get a new toothbrush is to schedule your regular dental visit! Make an appointment with Crossland Dental Associates so that we can get you set up with a fresh toothbrush, and on your way to clean and healthy mouth!
