Choosing the right toothbrush and knowing how to use it properly are fundamental to good dental care. However, once purchased, many people do not take proper care of their toothbrush. They  continue to use it long after it should have been replaced.

Some best practises for toothbrushes include:

- Rinse the brush after use

- Never share even with family members

- Replace when frayed or worn

Your dentist can recommend the correct toothbrush for you but maintaining the brush in top condition to keep teeth and gums as healthy as possible is equally important. A detailed article on maintaining your toothbrush as “an effective tool in your oral care” can be found at https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/top-tips-for-storing-your-toothbrush-and-keeping-it-clean/

The best way to deal with a severe dental phobia is to enlist the help of a good dentist who works with nervous patients. This dentist must be fully aware that it's not always the thought of drills on your teeth that are the issue. The dentist must realise that you may even be phobic about making a dental appointment.

Here's how to involve a dentist in overcoming your dental phobia:

- Find a dentist you feel is sympathetic to your phobia.

- Have a consultation discuss your fears and anxieties.

- Discuss techniques to keep you comfortable during an examination or procedure, such as sedation.

"If you find that you're still uncomfortable with the idea of going to the dentist for any type of treatment, it may be beneficial to find a dentist who utilizes sedation dentistry."

Read more about this process in this article: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/do-you-have-severe-dental-phobia-heres-how-your-dentist-can-help/