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.
Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.
Store toothbrush upright, not lying down, either inside of a cabinet or underneath the sink in a closed cabinet. Be sure that air can fully circulate around the brush head so that it can completely air dry, you don't want the bristles to retain any moisture.
Allow the head of your toothbrush to soak in small cup of antibacterial mouthwash or rubbing alcohol for a few minutes before or after brushing. Not only will your toothbrush be squeaky clean, it'll smell minty fresh too! Just remember to rinse it before your next use.
Toothbrush covers are actually detrimental to the overall sanitation of your toothbrush and therefore also to your oral health. 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.
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.
Maintain airflow
Contrary to what some experts may tell you, storing your toothbrush in a plastic case or plastic bag is not a good idea. Germs thrive in a moist environment, so keeping your toothbrush sealed in an enclosed space only makes your toothbrush the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
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.
Shutting the toilet lid can help, but keeping toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible can reduce the amount of bacteria that may land on them. Keeping toothbrushes away from the sink can also keep them more sanitary. When you use the sink to wash, water, soap, and bacteria can splash on your toothbrushes.
If bacteria gets trapped there, oxygen cannot get in, and anerobic bacteria can grow," he explains. This is the same bacteria that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
You can let your toothbrush sit in the open air for 30 minutes, then check that the bristles are dry before you put it away. You can use a clean paper towel to quickly dry a toothbrush before storing it in an airtight container, if you want.
But it can be hard to figure out when our beloved bristles are nearing the end of their natural lifespan. You might be surprised to find out that according to manufacturer guidelines and dentist recommendations, your toothbrush should be replaced every 12 to 16 weeks.
I store toothbrushes and toothpaste in a drawer with a plastic liner that is easily removed to be sanitized as needed. You could also use a drawer divider tray or put a toothbrush holder inside a cabinet to keep the counters clear and toothbrushes clean.
In summary, it's never wise to share toothbrushes, as they can harbour many nasty particles and bacteria. For that very reason, you should also regularly replace your own toothbrush to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and hygienic.
When you use someone else's toothbrush, you expose your teeth and gums to new bacteria which may not react well with your existing bacteria. This foreign bacteria can increase your risk of catching a cold, the flu, or other germs lurking on your partner's toothbrush, even if they practice good hygiene.
One common way to disinfect your toothbrush is through the use of mouthwash, like Listerine. You'll want to soak your toothbrush in the solution for at least 3 to 5 minutes at a time. After the specified amount of time, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before use.
Some studies have found that soaking your toothbrush in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or antibacterial mouthwash can help kill any bacteria that may be on it. To make and use this solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water. Swish the bristles of your toothbrush in the solution or soak for 15 minutes.
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.
First, You Can Reuse Zip-Top Plastic Bags — Sometimes
Re-sealable plastic bags like Ziploc aren't cheap, and reusing them can be a money-saving strategy. According to a Ziploc representative, the Ziploc Storage, Freezer, Snack and Sandwich Bags are reusable by hand washing and thoroughly drying prior to reuse.
You can absolutely use zip-top bags more than once as long as you wash them properly. One easy way to do that is by sticking them in the dishwasher. Just make sure they are turned inside out so that the soap and water clean the dirty side. Place them on the top rack and run the dishwasher as normal.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It's around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor.
Your Forever Toothbrush
eco have created an eco-toothbrush that people want to keep forever, still recognising that the heads have to be disposable. By making the heads as small as possible, and from plant-based, biodegradable plastic, the environmental impact of the replacement heads is as minimal as possible.