Dr. Michael Skrobola and Dr. Jonathan Schlosser of Bracesetters Orthodontics in Middletown, NY recommends that their patients replace their toothbrush every 3 months, when there is noticeable wear, or when they have an illness, and what’s cooler than recycling an old toothbrush by making a toothbrush bracelet?

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. An old toothbrush
2. A pair of pliers
3. Vise grips
4. Tongs
5. A pot big enough to accommodate your toothbrush
6. A parent!

Step 1: Take your child’s old toothbrush and gently remove all of the bristles from the toothbrush with a pair of pliers. Support should be applied to the neck of the toothbrush to avoid breaking it.

Step 2: Once all of the bristles are removed from the toothbrush, boil it for an hour.

Step 3: Because the toothbrush is very hot, bend it using the tongs to hold the toothbrush in the middle, and vise grips to shape the toothbrush.

Step 4: To set the shape and cool the bracelet down, let it sit in a bowl of cold water.

Encourage your child to keep their braces sparkling clean with their new toothbrush, and if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health contact Bracesetters Orthodontics at 845.342.1300.