toothbrush

You already know what a toothbrush can do for your smile, but a toothbrush is also an unexpected beauty powerhouse — and when you realize how incredibly versatile it can be, you'll pick up an extra one from the drugstore. Get 10 unexpected ways to use this bathroom staple when you keep reading.

It's not something you give much thought to other than the two minutes you use it twice a day, but if you're not taking care of your toothbrush properly, you could be exposing your body to germs and increasing your risk of cavities.

• Putting it away: The medicine cabinet seems like a clean, safe place for your toothbrush, but darkness and lack of air are what bacteria love. Store it out in the open where it has the chance to dry out.
• Laying it flat: Don't leave your toothbrush lying sideways on the counter. Store it upright in a nifty holder, so gravity can do its thing and allow wetness to drain away from the bristles.
• Covering it up: Things that stay moist are breeding grounds for bacteria. So in order for your toothbrush to have the chance to dry out completely between brushings, avoid using toothbrush covers, cases, or plastic bags (unless your toothbrush is completely dry).
• Brushing and flushing: If you're like most people, you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom. But whenever you flush the toilet, bacteria gets sprayed into the air where it lands on your toothbrush bristles. Totally disgusting, I know. Keep your toothbrush at least three feet away from the toilet. Or, better yet, just keep the toilet lid closed.

Keep reading for more toothbrush mistakes.

Watching my friend effortlessly clean her 1-and-a-half-year-old's teeth with an electric toothbrush was all the evidence I needed to get back into using my power tool of a toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are fun — they feel good and they easily glide through your mouth, making brushing a breeze (don't even get me started on the flossing).

I tend to go back and forth between my GUM toothbrush (soft bristles in case you were wondering) and my electric toothbrush. Whereas 69 percent of you said that you use an electric toothbrush, so I can see which type of brush you favor. But when it comes down to it, which toothbrush gives you the biggest bang for you buck? Meaning, which toothbrush — old school manual or electric — gets the cleaning job done better?

To see what the verdict is, continue reading.

I hate to say it, but it's cold season. Yours truly has already succumbed to the scratchy throat, runny nose, and deep coughing that is sure to drive those around me crazy. Not one to get too down on the negatives, I found a silver lining in this cold of mine. A trip to the doctor was productive on two counts — I got a prescription for my nasty hack, and I got a useful tip from my doctor worth sharing.

When illness strikes, it's time to toss the toothbrush. The sickly germs will be better suited for the trash can than your mouth. An infected toothbrush makes it all too easy to make yourself sick again. Besides that, we're advised to change our bristles every three to four months anyway, right?

Do you change your toothbrush when you're not feeling well?

Forget flossin' — it's a lot more environmentally friendly to use your money to brush. All corny jokes aside, though, these cute new Source toothbrushes ($6.95) are a pretty cool idea. Their heads are replaceable, and the handles are made from responsibly sourced recycled materials — the most entertaining of which is dollar bills. It's not exactly something you'd bring out on the cocktail party circuit, but it would save you from consigning a lot of toothbrush plastic to the landfill. Plus, you'd get to brush like a baller. Would you consider buying a toothbrush like this, or do the handles not appeal?