Times When You May Want to Sanitize Your Toothbrush
Posted on 12/7/2020 by Robert Leale
Even though your toothbrush is an excellent tool for cleaning your teeth and ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria, it can attract its own fair share of bacteria and germs. Not only does your toothbrush come in contact with saliva, food particles, and plaque twice a day, every day, but its proximity to the toilet means that it can even harbor fecal bacteria. Here are some tips on how to sanitize your toothbrush and when it is necessary.
How Can I Disinfect My Toothbrush?
Most of the time, simply running your toothbrush under hot water for a few seconds before and after using it is enough to kill off germs and bacteria on the bristles. But if you want to take the disinfecting a step further, there are a few options. You can let the brush sit head down in antibacterial mouthwash for a few minutes after using it, or try homemade solutions with natural ingredients such as white vinegar, baking soda in water, or hydrogen peroxide. You can even use denture cleansing tablets dissolved in water. Do not boil your toothbrush or put it in the microwave or dishwasher, as the heat can melt the plastic.
How Often Should I Sanitize My Toothbrush?
The key to keeping your toothbrush clean is to store it properly (upright, uncovered, away from the toilet and not too close to other toothbrushes to avoid cross-contamination), rinse it thoroughly after each use, and replace it every three to four months. However, there are a few instances when you might want to sanitize it more thoroughly using one of the methods outlined above. If you recently overcame a cold or the flu, you should replace or disinfect your toothbrush to avoid re-infecting yourself or other people in your household. You should also sanitize your toothbrush if you drop it on the floor, if it accidentally touches someone else's toothbrush, or after traveling. Call our office if you have questions about keeping your toothbrush clean.
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Even though your toothbrush is an excellent tool for cleaning your teeth and ridding your mouth of harmful bacteria, it can attract its own fair share of bacteria and germs. Not only does your toothbrush come in contact with saliva, food particles, and plaque twice a day, every day, but its proximity to the toilet means that it can even harbor fecal bacteria. Here are some tips on how to sanitize your toothbrush and when it is necessary.