Mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water. Swish the bristles of your toothbrush in the solution or soak for 15 minutes. Rinse your toothbrush with water before brushing. If you decide to soak your toothbrush in the solution, change the solution every day.
Boil your toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Although it is hard on your toothbrush, boiling water will most germs. A toothbrush can be put into the silverware compartment of the dishwasher to be sanitized. Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap.
Whether you're using a manual or electric toothbrush, you need to thoroughly rinse the brush head with tap water after every use. This removes most of the food particles, plaque, and bacteria. To remove even the few germs or debris that might remain after rinsing, disinfect your toothbrush at least once a week.
Run hot water over it before and after each use
The most basic go-to method of sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the bristles before and after each use. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings.
Hydrogen peroxide is another great way to disinfect your toothbrush and keep it clean until your next use. Simply fill a small glass with 3% hydrogen peroxide and store your toothbrush, bristles down, in the solution. When you are ready to brush your teeth, rinse the toothbrush under hot water before use.
The results of this study show that the most effective method for disinfecting toothbrushes was submersion in 50% white vinegar, which is cost-effective, easy to access, and appropriate for household use.
You should never store your brush in a closed or airtight container, as bacteria love moisture and will thrive in this environment. Instead, place the brush in a cup or holder in an upright position to ensure that it dries off thoroughly. Avoid putting it in a drawer or cabinet, as well.
You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don't have mouthwash, you can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed into 1 cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.
Store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide.
Pour the solution into a small container (enough to cover your toothbrush head) and soak your toothbrush in the solution for about 5 minutes. When the time is done, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly.
Disinfecting Your Toothbrush
You can also use 70% alcohol. Do not store the toothbrush in mouthwash liquid, or any other kind of liquid. After brushing, rinse the head with tap water, wipe the handle down, or disinfect with solution, then place bristles up to dry.
Although boiling water can be a bit harsh on the plastic of your brush, it does a great job killing the bacteria that builds up over time. Boil a small pot of water on the stove and dip the head of your toothbrush in the rolling boil for at least three minutes to kill most germs.
UV sanitizing kills bacteria; viruses can survive on toothbrushes for 24 hours; toothbrush design, color, opacity, and bristle arrangement are a major factor in retaining microorganisms.
Clean Your Toothbrush with Baking Soda
Soak your toothbrush in a cup of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Baking soda has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill bacteria that is a major contributor to tooth decay.
Mix 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1 cup of warm water and soak your toothbrush for 15-20 minutes. If you don't want to use baking soda, use salt. Baking soda is a salt and both will achieve the same results.
The American Dental Association has not endorsed any toothbrush sanitizing products, and instead, recommends rinsing your toothbrush after brushing and replacing it every four to six months.
Depending on the holder, you could put it in the dishwasher, wipe-down with sanitizing wipes, or use soap and water. Remember keeping your toothbrush clean helps your oral care as well. The most sanitary way to store your toothbrush is to keep the toothbrush in a clean holder where airflow can dry the toothbrush.
Bacteria thrive in moist environments and a toothbrush cover provides just that. While it may keep other things out, it also locks everything else in. Your brush needs to thoroughly dry between uses so that new bacteria do not grow and multiply on the surface of it.
The bathroom is one of the most germ-infested rooms in any house, but leaving a toothbrush in a damp shower makes your brush (and mouth) a target for unwanted microbes. Given enough of the wrong types of bacteria, an extra germy toothbrush could even lead to diarrhea or skin infection.
Soak in apple cider vinegar: With antimicrobial properties, this biodegradable disinfectant can help destroy mouth bacteria. Place your toothbrush in a cup of ACV for 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly, then allow to dry before using.
If you don't want to use multiple brushes or leave your toothbrush in the open air, you can use hydrogen peroxide overnight to clean the bristles. Simply put a little bit in a small glass and store your toothbrush with the bristles down in the peroxide.
One way to use hydrogen peroxide is as a mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Make sure you are using a 1.5% or 3% solution to avoid side effects. The most common concentration of hydrogen peroxide at the drugstore is a 3% solution.