How to disinfect and keep your toothbrush clean?
You probably use your toothbrush every day to remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of your teeth and tongue.
While your mouth is thoroughly cleaned after brushing, your toothbrush now carries germs and oral debris.
Your toothbrush is also likely stored in the bathroom, where bacteria can linger in the air.
This article provides ways to disinfect your toothbrush to ensure it is clean and ready to use every time.
How to clean a toothbrush
There are several ways to disinfect your toothbrush. Some are more effective than others.
Apply hot water before and after each use
The most basic way to sanitize your toothbrush is to wash it with warm water after each use.
By doing this, you will get rid of the bacteria that may have accumulated on the toothbrush within a few hours after brushing. It also kills new bacteria that may accumulate after each use.
For most people, warm, clean water is enough to disinfect a used toothbrush.
Before using toothpaste, pour warm water slowly on the head of your toothbrush. The water should be hot enough to generate steam.
After you have thoroughly brushed your mouth and teeth, rinse your toothbrush with more warm water.
Soak it in antibacterial mouthwash
If rinsing with warm water is not enough for your peace of mind, you can soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash.
Keep in mind that doing this may wear out your toothbrush faster, as these mouthwashes usually contain harsh ingredients that can strip the bristles of the bristles like toothbrush.
This method allows you to place your toothbrush in a small cup of mouthwash after each brush head down.
Should you boil the toothbrush?
To clean a toothbrush, you don’t need to put your toothbrush in boiling water for a long time and use it and keep in mind that the plastic handle of most toothbrushes may start to melt in boiling water.
If you still want to use boiling water, heat the water in a kettle on your stove. As soon as it boils, turn off the heat and dip your toothbrush in it for 30 seconds and then take it out.
Denture cleaner
In addition to hot water and mouthwash, you can use a denture-cleaning solution to disinfect your toothbrush.
Denture cleaner is made up of antimicrobial ingredients that target the bacteria and plaque that grow in your mouth.
Do not use artificial cleaners that you have already used on your dentures.
Dissolve half of a cleaning tablet in a cup of water and dip your toothbrush in it for 90 seconds to get your brush cleaner.
How to clean the head of an electric toothbrush
In most cases, you can disinfect the head of an electric toothbrush in the same way as any other toothbrush.
Before putting anything other than toothpaste and warm water on the toothbrush, be sure to unplug the toothbrush head.
If your electric toothbrush somehow won’t come off the base, just use warm water or a quick rinse with mouthwash and store it in a clean, dry place.
How to keep the toothbrush clean
Once your toothbrush is disinfected, you can proceed to keep it clean.
Maintaining your toothbrush properly is probably as important as cleaning it after use. Keep it in a hydrogen peroxide solution that you change daily.
A 2011 study found that keeping a toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is an economical way to minimize bacterial growth.
Avoid keeping toothbrushes together
Putting multiple toothbrushes together in a cup can cause bacterial cross-contamination between the brushes.
If there are several people in your house, separate each toothbrush a few centimeters from the other.
Keep it as far away from the toilet as possible.
When you flush the toilet, fecal material rises and disperses in the air. This process spreads harmful bacteria to all bathroom surfaces, including your toothbrush.
By keeping the toothbrush in a container with a closed lid, you can prevent the contamination of these bacteria. Or you might keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible.
Clean the covers and holder of the toothbrush
Bacteria from your toothbrush can reach the toothbrush cover and toothbrush storage containers.
To prevent the transfer of harmful bacteria, make sure to clean the cover and container of the toothbrush every 2 weeks.
It is not necessary to cover the toothbrush, but if you decide to, make sure to let it dry beforehand. Covering and storing a wet toothbrush can lead to more bacteria growth on the brush.
When should you change your toothbrush?
Sometimes the best way to ensure a clean toothbrush is to replace it. As a general rule, you should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every 3 to 4 months.
You should throw away your toothbrush in any of the following situations:
- The toothbrush brush is worn out. If the bristles look bent or worn, your toothbrush won’t be cleaning your teeth as effectively.
- Someone in your house is sick. If you or anyone in your family has a contagious disease such as the flu, continuing to use a toothbrush can spread the infection and disease.
- You have shared your toothbrush. If someone else has used your toothbrush, there is no way you can completely disinfect it. Everyone’s oral flora is unique, and you shouldn’t rub your mouth with someone else’s bacteria.
