1. Rinse your toothbrush before and after each use to reduce the amount of germs on it. Don’t let the head of your brush touch other items, like someone else’s toothbrush.

2. Avoid sharing used toothbrushes, straws, utensils and cups. These items gather germs when they touch our mouths. Sharing allows germs to travel from one mouth to another, potentially causing tooth decay.                           

3. Clean and disinfect items you touch frequently, including your toothbrush handle and holder, shower curtains, switches, faucets, doorknobs, phones and keyboards. Germs from these items can make their way into your body when you touch your face.

4. Clean your mouth guard, clear aligner, retainer or dentures daily to remove food and bacteria. This will help prevent oral health problems, including gum disease, infection, mouth sores and bad breath. Also, store them in a protective case.

5. Don’t clean a baby's pacifier with your mouth, which could spread germs to the child. It’s better to rinse the pacifier with water instead.

6. Wash used towels at least once a week, and make sure they dry between uses. Towels used after brushing your teeth and washing your face are a great hiding spot for all kinds of germs.