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.
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.
Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after every brush with hot water. For a more effective rinse, submerge your brush in hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based mouthwash. Let your brush air-dry before putting a cap on the head or storing it away.
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.
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.
Mix half water and half distilled white vinegar in a bowl and soak the toothbrush cap and any other submersible parts. Dampen a microfiber cloth with vinegar and water to clean and sanitize the inside of the holder. Remove the toothbrush cap from the vinegar and rinse it with warm water.
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.
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.
Viruses and bacteria from an infected person's mouth can live for weeks on a toothbrush surface, and continue to cause illness, says Cooper, a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
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.
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.
Toothbrushes can have germs on them even after rinsing that could raise the risk of infection, especially for people with immune suppression. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush with tap water until it is completely clean, let it air-dry, and store it in an upright position.
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.
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.
Flushing a toilet launches germs into the air and fecal material can travel as far as six feet from the toilet. So put a lid on it before you flush and make sure toothbrush and toilet remain far apart. “Keep your brush as far away from a toilet” as possible, Dr.
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.
Your Toothbrush Can Reinfect You After an Illness
It is possible to reinfect yourself with a bacterial illness. If, for example, you have strep and your toothbrush has been colonized by the strep bacteria, you can get strep again.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common and effective active ingredient in many commercial teeth whitening solutions. Products containing peroxides, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, act as bleaching agents to change the color of the teeth.
With its dark, damp inside, it's no wonder 64% of toothbrush holders carry yeast and mold. If possible, we recommend brushing at least 6 feet away from your toilet. It's easier to manage germs on and around your toothbrush when you're aware of germ hiding places like these.
Colgate and Oral-B both say that you should replace your toothbrush after an illness like the flu or a cold because of the risk of germs hiding in bristles leading to reinfection.
When you stow your toothbrush in the holder after brushing, the head is usually still wet. That liquid drips down the handle — collecting germs as it goes — and slowly pools in the bottom of the cup where your toothbrush hangs out. Additionally, bathrooms are notoriously steamy.
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.
Turns out, your toothbrush holder is one of the germiest places in your home. But don't worry, it's easy to clean toothbrush holders. If you're wondering how to keep a toothbrush holder clean, experts say to try to clean it weekly — or as often as you clean your toilet. Rinse the toothbrush holder with hot water.
Brush your teeth using short back-and-forth strokes. Remember to brush the inner, outer and chewing side of your tooth. Also remember to brush your gums, tongue and the roof of your tongue. Be gentle while brushing your gums, and position your brush at a 45-degree angle to remove germs in those hard-to-reach spaces.