How Do I Disinfect My Toothbrush After Norovirus?
As soon as you or a family member contract norovirus, it’s essential to wash hands, disinfect surfaces and change toothbrushes as soon as possible. But how can you disinfect a toothbrush?
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of bleach, hexidine, Listerine and 3.0% hydrogen peroxide for killing norovirus on toothbrushes as well as deodorizing and eliminating unpleasant odors from toothbrush bristles.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is an inexpensive and versatile household cleaner. Not only is it non-toxic and affordable, it is also highly effective against bacteria and germs – such as norovirus! Baking soda can also be used to clean surfaces such as floor grout and sink drains as well as eliminating smelly dishes or freshen up smelly shoes! In addition, using baking soda instead of commercial cleaning products that may contain harmful chemicals and additives is also a great alternative option!
Baking soda can be used to create an all-natural mouthwash and clean teeth. Simply mix baking soda with water to form a paste that you apply directly to your toothbrush bristles and leave for several minutes before rinsing off and repeating several times per week until all canker sores have cleared away. It can even help treat canker sores; simply combine one teaspoon of baking soda with just enough water to form a paste before applying directly on affected area(s). Repeat process daily until symptoms subside completely!
Baking soda can also help neutralize acid. Some people drink it mixed with water to relieve digestive distress such as acid reflux (heartburn). By decreasing acid production in your body, baking soda helps maintain proper pH balance by decreasing excess acidity levels – it could even serve as an effective alternative to over the counter antacids!
Your best options for using baking powder on carpet include spreading it onto the surface to loosen grease and grime, mixing with laundry detergent as a booster to increase its efficacy, or placing in your refrigerator to reduce odors while refreshing food like coffee or cereals.
Cleaners may use it to soak the interior of their oven before wiping it clean, as an alternative to commercial oven cleaners. You could also use it to deodorize and freshen up the home by placing an open box near fridges, drawers, closets, etc. You could even substitute baking powder in recipes!
Water
Water is one of the easiest and simplest ways to effectively disinfect a toothbrush after being infected with norovirus, as it is cheap, non-toxic, and efficient. Plus you can use this same solution on other items in your bathroom such as the toothbrush holder, toothpaste tube or floss!
Once a person becomes sick, it’s essential that their home and themselves be disinfected as effectively as possible in order to stop germs from spreading further. This includes stripping bedsheets, washing hands and clothes thoroughly, disposing of any dirty dishes/utensils/objects contaminated by vomit/diarrhea from their symptoms, as well as cleaning any objects that came in contact with the sick person’s vomit or diarrhea.
Many people ask if they should toss out their toothbrush after becoming ill, which is generally recommended as germs in your mouth can easily spread to other objects and family members. You should also avoid sharing brushes and storing them alongside others within your family unit.
Your toothbrush and other bathroom items can be cleaned using warm running water, antibacterial mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Be sure to rinse well and allow it to air-dry completely before reusing it; for added convenience you could also use a disinfectant wipe on its holder, toothpaste tube and floss.
Family medicine doctor offers advice. When someone in the family comes down with flu or COVID-19, it’s wise to change sheets and towels, wash dishes and clothes, as well as disinfect surfaces that may have come in contact with it. Also keep oral devices such as braces, retainers and aprons clean so as to reduce exposure.
Germs such as influenza, stomach virus, strep throat and e-coli have the ability to live on toothbrushes for two weeks when stored in still water, increasing their chance of reinfecting someone or inducing an entirely new illness. This could either reinfect them with their original illness or introduce one entirely.
After being exposed to norovirus, COVID-19 or any contagious illnesses such as strep throat or the common cold, it’s recommended that one change their toothbrush every three to four months or earlier if its bristles become frayed.
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Utilizing an antiseptic mouthwash to disinfect your toothbrush after recovering from norovirus is another quick and easy way to rid yourself of germs quickly and effectively. The antiseptic ingredients present in mouthwash kill germs while helping prevent further infections such as gingivitis or strep throat. When selecting an alcohol-free solution, ensure it won’t fray or crack your toothbrush bristles over time.
When disinfecting your toothbrush with antiseptic mouthwash, it’s crucial to fully immerse it. All bristles must be completely submerged for 10 minutes before rinsing with water and storing away from other family members’ toothbrushes; otherwise cross-contamination risks increase significantly.
If you need guidance in choosing an antiseptic mouthwash, reach out to your dentist who can recommend one specifically tailored to you.
Many people worry that norovirus or another illness has infected their toothbrush, exposing it to germs from their own mouth. Although this is possible, this does not necessarily re-infected with the same microbes; your immune system should have developed immunity to those responsible.
However, other germs that could make you ill include different strains of the flu or cold viruses that may make you sicker than usual – particularly common cold viruses and strains of flu. Although less likely, such germs could still make their way in and cause infections; so for optimal hygiene it is a good idea to disinfect after each use and replace your toothbrush every three to four months (or sooner if its bristles wear out), while those with compromised immune systems should disinfect their toothbrush after bouts with illness as soon as they come home – also it might be good idea to do this before traveling so you don’t bring in bacteria or germs from wherever it could potentially make everyone infected!
Vinegar
Norovirus germs can live for days on surfaces in your home, so after someone in your household becomes sick it’s essential that all surfaces in your home are thoroughly cleansed with soap and water before disinfecting surfaces and objects they touched as well as decontaminating any toothbrushes that may have come in contact with lingering norovirus germs.
When it comes to disinfecting a toothbrush, there are various approaches that are more efficient than others. The American Dental Association advises rinsing it under hot water immediately following each brush session to kill bacteria and microorganisms that have formed on the bristles; additionally they suggest keeping each toothbrush separate in its own holder to prevent sharing or close proximity to items that could harbor germs like mouthwash bottles or toothpaste tubes that could harbor bacteria.
Another method for disinfecting your toothbrush is soaking it in a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide, as this method has proven successful at killing bacteria and microorganisms. After submersion in such solutions, rinse your brush out in order to rinse away any residual disinfectant before letting it dry before use again.
White vinegar is an all-around excellent household cleaner and an effective toothbrush disinfectant, thanks to the acetic acid found within. Acetic acid kills bacteria infections while inhibiting other microorganisms’ growth including norovirus. Simply soak your toothbrush for 30 minutes in a cup or container of white vinegar before rinsing off and air drying upright before use again.
As part of your routine dental health regimen, it is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if its bristles show signs of fraying. Doing so will prevent reinfection or spreading germs to other members of the household.
Though it is essential to disinfect your toothbrush after becoming sick, there’s no need to toss out or worry excessively about norovirus infection in the future. Simply switch out for a fresh one as soon as you feel better and store both it and its holder properly.
