How to Sanitize and Disinfect Toothbrushes
If you’re not careful, bacteria can build up on your toothbrush, making it less effective at cleaning your teeth. It’s important to sanitize and disinfect your toothbrush regularly to keep it clean and healthy. In this article, we’ll look at several different ways to do so.
The most basic way to sanitize your toothbrush is to run it under clean hot water before and after brushing with toothpaste. This will eliminate any germs that may have built up on the toothbrush between brushes. It’s also a good idea to rinse the brush after each use and replace it every three months or sooner, when you see signs that the bristles are getting frayed.
It’s also a good idea to let your toothbrush dry completely before using it again. Mould and germs can grow on wet toothbrushes more quickly than dry ones. Storing your toothbrush in a travel case, lidded container, or toothbrush cover can also harbour more germs than letting it air dry. In addition, it’s a good idea to disinfect your toothbrush after recovering from sickness like the flu.
While ordinary white vinegar can eliminate some of the bacteria on your toothbrush, it’s not a recognized disinfectant. For this reason, it’s best to only use this method for occasional cleaning.
A more effective alternative is to soak your toothbrush in a solution of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). You can make this solution by mixing 1 teaspoon of H2O2 in a cup of water. Make sure that the cup is big enough to fully submerge your toothbrush and that you change out the solution daily for the most effective sanitizing.
Another option is to use a UV light sanitizer. This type of sanitizer works by using UV light to destroy the DNA of viruses and bacteria on the toothbrush. This method has been shown to be more effective than hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash at killing the germs on toothbrushes.
Finally, you can use a commercially available sanitizing rinse. This rinse is formulated to kill bacteria on the surface of your toothbrush and inside the crevices of the brush. This rinse can be found at most supermarkets and pharmacies.
The best way to sanitize your toothbrush, however, is to wash it thoroughly before and after brushing with soap and warm water. This will prevent the spread of any bacteria from your hands to the toothbrush. It’s also a good idea not to touch your toothbrush or its handle with dirty hands, and to store it upright in an open cup or dish where it can air dry between uses.
It’s a good idea to store your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes and to not share it with anyone else. Also, make sure that you always rinse it before and after each use, especially after being in public places where there are lots of germs. It’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner, and to disinfect it after recovery from sickness like the flu.
