Where does your toothbrush live after it has been used? Maybe it lives in a cup by the sink or in the free space on your counter next to your hairbrush or maybe it is safe and sound in its toothbrush case in the cabinet. Toothbrush care and replacement may seem unimportant, but we're going to enlighten and maybe shock you with some important statistics about bacteria and tips on proper toothbrush care and storage.

According to WebMD, your bathroom faucet handle has an average of 6,267 bacteria per square inch, and your bathroom sink has an average of 2,733 bacteria per square inch. Your toilet bowl has an average of 3.2 million bacteria per square inch, and your bathtub has an average of 119, 468 bacteria per square inch. Your bathroom countertop has an average of 488 bacteria per square inch, and your bathroom light switch carries an average of 217 bacteria per square inch. In all, that's about 302,128,703 live bacteria hanging out in your bathroom on any given day!

Use these storage tips and replacement advice to keep a clean mouth and healthy smile.

Rinse

Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every use. Wash it off with tap water, making sure it is completely rinsed before going to dry it.

Dry

Bacteria love a moist environment therefore; making sure your toothbrush is fully dry before putting it away is extremely important. It is also wise to avoid using toothbrush covers. These could create a moist breeding ground for bacteria to live.

Upright

It is always best to store your toothbrush upright after brushing. Storing it in an upright holder will allow it to stay out of the way of any other bathroom products that may carry germs.

Most dentists agree that a toothbrush should be replaced every three months. Studies show that after three months of use, toothbrushes are much less effective at removing plaque compared to new ones. Because germs can hide in the bristles of your toothbrush, it is also important to replace it after you have a cold, the flu or any type of sore throat illness.

New research shows that the health of your mouth reflects the condition of your body as a whole. Start storing your toothbrush properly and replacing it as needed and you’ll be sure to keep a bright, beautiful and healthy smile. Oh, and clean your bathroom regularly, too! Yikes!