How to Keep a Clean Toothbrush
Do not store your toothbrush in a closed container at home., Store your toothbrush upright., Store your toothbrush at least 2 feet (0.61 m) from the toilet., Clean your toothbrush holder once a week., Do not let toothbrushes come into contact with...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Do not store your toothbrush in a closed container at home.
The greater moisture in a closed container creates a good environment for the growth of bacteria.Keep your toothbrush in a container when you travel to avoid it picking up dirt or bacteria.
Be sure your toothbrush is dry before putting it in the protector or case.
Also, be sure to clean your toothbrush protector regularly.
Chlorhexidine (found in mouthwash) is the best antibacterial substance to clean the container. -
Step 2: Store your toothbrush upright.
This allows water to drain from the bristles.
It also keeps them away from bacteria that grows in even trace amounts of water.
If you store your toothbrush in a container like a cup, you may have noticed that scum collects at the bottom.
If you store your toothbrush on its side or with the brush facing down, it will be lying in that scum., When you flush, tiny water particles containing fecal matter escape the toilet and may land on your toothbrush if it is too close to the toilet.While there is insufficient evidence that these trace amounts of bacteria cause illness, it is best to be safe., Bacteria that accumulates on the toothbrush holder can be transmitted to the brush, and then to your mouth.
It is particularly important to clean your holder regularly if it has a closed bottom, like a cup.Wash your toothbrush holder or cup with soap and water.
Do not run it through the dishwasher unless it says it's dishwasher-safe.
Never put your toothbrush itself in the dishwasher., If you are storing multiple toothbrushes in one container, make sure they do not touch, as this will allow for the transfer of bacteria and bodily fluids from one brush to another., If you share a toothbrush, you are also sharing bodily fluids and germs, which might lead to an infection., It seems rather obvious, but all too often people reach straight for the toothpaste tube before washing their hands. , Rinse the brush with hot tap water after brushing your teeth.Make sure you remove all toothpaste and debris., The wetter your toothbrush, the more welcoming an environment it will be for bacteria., According to the American Dental Association, there is no clinical evidence that soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash has any effect on your oral health.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that soaking your toothbrush could lead to cross-contamination if you use the same disinfectant over a period of time, or share disinfectant between users., If it is electric, replace the head every three to four months.
Do so sooner if you notice the bristles are bent or fraying, or if colored bristles are fading.Kids' toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often than adult toothbrushes, as children have often not learned how to best care for their teeth and may press too hard., Throw away their toothbrush and any other brushes it came into contact with to prevent the sickness from spreading.Soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash for ten minutes after your illness ends may kill germs that might cause a return of the illness; however, it is a better idea to simply replace the toothbrush., Even trace amounts of bacteria can be dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, so keeping your toothbrush disinfected is advisable.Use an antibacterial mouthwash before you brush your teeth.
This may help reduce the amount of bacteria that gets onto your toothbrush when brushing.
Rinse the toothbrush with antibacterial mouthrinse before brushing.
This may reduce the amount of bacteria deposited on the toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush more frequently than every three to four months.
This may help reduce your exposure to bacteria over time.
Consider a toothbrush sanitizer.
While studies do not show any particular benefit to these devices, you can purchase one that has been cleared by the FDA.
Toothbrush sanitizers kill up to
99.9% of bacteria on the brush. (Sterilizing means that 100% of bacteria and living organisms have been killed, and no commercial toothbrush cleaner can claim this.) , Studies show that people who are wearing appliances on their teeth collect more germs on their toothbrushes.Rinse with antibacterial mouthrinse before brushing to reduce the amount of bacteria deposited on the toothbrush.If you have braces, you may also find it helpful to also use a water flosser or waterpik to clean between your braces and your teeth. -
Step 3: Store your toothbrush at least 2 feet (0.61 m) from the toilet.
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Step 4: Clean your toothbrush holder once a week.
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Step 5: Do not let toothbrushes come into contact with one another.
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Step 6: Do not share toothbrushes.
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Step 7: Wash your hands before handling your toothbrush.
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Step 8: Wash your toothbrush after every use.
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Step 9: Shake your toothbrush dry after washing.
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Step 10: Do not soak your toothbrush in mouthwash or a disinfecting solution.
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Step 11: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
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Step 12: Take extra precautions if someone in your home is sick.
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Step 13: Take extra precautions if you have a compromised immune system or are particularly susceptible to illness.
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Step 14: Take extra precautions if you have braces or other appliances.
Detailed Guide
The greater moisture in a closed container creates a good environment for the growth of bacteria.Keep your toothbrush in a container when you travel to avoid it picking up dirt or bacteria.
Be sure your toothbrush is dry before putting it in the protector or case.
Also, be sure to clean your toothbrush protector regularly.
Chlorhexidine (found in mouthwash) is the best antibacterial substance to clean the container.
This allows water to drain from the bristles.
It also keeps them away from bacteria that grows in even trace amounts of water.
If you store your toothbrush in a container like a cup, you may have noticed that scum collects at the bottom.
If you store your toothbrush on its side or with the brush facing down, it will be lying in that scum., When you flush, tiny water particles containing fecal matter escape the toilet and may land on your toothbrush if it is too close to the toilet.While there is insufficient evidence that these trace amounts of bacteria cause illness, it is best to be safe., Bacteria that accumulates on the toothbrush holder can be transmitted to the brush, and then to your mouth.
It is particularly important to clean your holder regularly if it has a closed bottom, like a cup.Wash your toothbrush holder or cup with soap and water.
Do not run it through the dishwasher unless it says it's dishwasher-safe.
Never put your toothbrush itself in the dishwasher., If you are storing multiple toothbrushes in one container, make sure they do not touch, as this will allow for the transfer of bacteria and bodily fluids from one brush to another., If you share a toothbrush, you are also sharing bodily fluids and germs, which might lead to an infection., It seems rather obvious, but all too often people reach straight for the toothpaste tube before washing their hands. , Rinse the brush with hot tap water after brushing your teeth.Make sure you remove all toothpaste and debris., The wetter your toothbrush, the more welcoming an environment it will be for bacteria., According to the American Dental Association, there is no clinical evidence that soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash has any effect on your oral health.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) adds that soaking your toothbrush could lead to cross-contamination if you use the same disinfectant over a period of time, or share disinfectant between users., If it is electric, replace the head every three to four months.
Do so sooner if you notice the bristles are bent or fraying, or if colored bristles are fading.Kids' toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often than adult toothbrushes, as children have often not learned how to best care for their teeth and may press too hard., Throw away their toothbrush and any other brushes it came into contact with to prevent the sickness from spreading.Soaking your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash for ten minutes after your illness ends may kill germs that might cause a return of the illness; however, it is a better idea to simply replace the toothbrush., Even trace amounts of bacteria can be dangerous for those with compromised immune systems, so keeping your toothbrush disinfected is advisable.Use an antibacterial mouthwash before you brush your teeth.
This may help reduce the amount of bacteria that gets onto your toothbrush when brushing.
Rinse the toothbrush with antibacterial mouthrinse before brushing.
This may reduce the amount of bacteria deposited on the toothbrush.
Replace your toothbrush more frequently than every three to four months.
This may help reduce your exposure to bacteria over time.
Consider a toothbrush sanitizer.
While studies do not show any particular benefit to these devices, you can purchase one that has been cleared by the FDA.
Toothbrush sanitizers kill up to
99.9% of bacteria on the brush. (Sterilizing means that 100% of bacteria and living organisms have been killed, and no commercial toothbrush cleaner can claim this.) , Studies show that people who are wearing appliances on their teeth collect more germs on their toothbrushes.Rinse with antibacterial mouthrinse before brushing to reduce the amount of bacteria deposited on the toothbrush.If you have braces, you may also find it helpful to also use a water flosser or waterpik to clean between your braces and your teeth.
About the Author
Samuel Burns
Enthusiastic about teaching lifestyle techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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