We don’t think too much about our friendly toothbrush perched on our bathroom counter, other than when we get a new one at the dentist. But the care and feeding of that handy device can be important to our health. It’s a case of what you can’t see might hurt you.

So let’s start with the yukky stuff. Your toothbrush can actually be harboring millions of bacteria, including airborne E. coli and Staph. And each time you brush, you transfer bacteria that naturally occur in your mouth to your toothbrush, along with the other bacteria that brushing is intended to remove.

But here’s the good news. You can do something about it!

Keep in mind that some of these tips will depend on how often you brush. And they apply to replacing the heads of electric toothbrushes as well. How often should you change your toothbrush? Your personal habits and preferences will dictate that to some extent.

• Thoroughly rinse the brush after every use. It’s kind of pointless to put those bacteria right back into your mouth the next time you brush.
• Consider getting a new one after an illness (strep, flu, etc.). It won’t prevent you from ever getting sick again, but it can’t hurt either. And it’ll help avoid transferring those germs to your spouse if your brushes are stored close together.
• Replace it regularly, like every three or four months. Plus, by then the bristles are probably worn and not working we well as they should anyway.
• Don’t keep it close to the toilet. This one seems like just plain old common sense, but it’s worth mentioning.
• Don’t store it in an airtight case or cap. Or in an area like the shower. Bacteria love warm, damp and dark places.
• Don’t share. That’s great for a lot of things in life. But sharing the gift of bacteria probably isn’t one of them.
• Rinse thoroughly and store it upright to air dry. No reason to give those bacteria a chance to hang out and multiply. This simple practice, by itself can go a long way toward getting rid of bacteria.

More good news. Generally, the kinds of bacteria that can get on your toothbrush are not major health threats. And toothpaste itself can contain some anti-germ ingredients. Dipping the brush in mouthwash also can apply an antiseptic. White vinegar can work, too.

Almost as important as getting rid of bacteria is making sure the tooth brush is effective in fully cleaning your teeth. Like any brush with bristles that get worn and frayed over time, it simply doesn’t work as well at its other tasks like removing food, tartar, plaque, etc.

You can get an idea of whether your brush is still doing its job by making sure you still get that clean, smooth feeling when you run your tongue over your teeth. The timing for replacement in this case really depends on your personal style of brushing and how quickly you wear it down. But this is a good test to determine how often you should replace your toothbrush.

Some other tips for dental health? Brush in a circular motion. And floss!