Tips for Disinfecting Your Toothbrush

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Your toothbrush interacts with a wide variety of germs at least twice a day, if not more. Not to mention the exposure it gets depending on where you keep your toothbrush during the day. After you've brushed your teeth, how often do you do a thorough cleaning of your toothbrush? Like most people, you probably simply rinse it off with hot water, put it away, and consider it clean. However, if you are genuinely trying to keep germs at bay off your toothbrush, you need to do a more thorough job than that. So, we have some of our favorite tips at keeping your toothbrush clean.

1. Soak your toothbrush in mouthwash.

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. Avoid soaking your toothbrush overnight; otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the bristles. Also, don't gargle with the mouthwash you have used to disinfect your toothbrush, because of the bacteria it will now contain.

1. Store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is a solution that can be used to disinfectant. You are more than likely going to have this in your medicine cabinet, but if you don't, go to your local pharmacy and grocery and purchase a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Pour the solution into a small container (enough to cover your toothbrush head) and soak your toothbrush in the solution for about 5 minutes. When the time is done, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly. Many people will soak their toothbrush overnight in this solution, but by doing so, you run the risk of your toothbrush bristles getting damaged quicker.

1. Store your toothbrush in the right place.

Where do you put your toothbrush? At the side of your bathroom sink near the toilet? By doing that, you run the risk of germs from the toilet, transferring onto your toothbrush. You also want to avoid putting your toothbrush in a closed container. Toothbrush caps can prevent your toothbrush from drying out and encourage bacteria to grow. Medicine cabinets can also encourage moisture to linger on your toothbrush. The best way to store your toothbrush in the open air in an upright position where it is far away from any additional exposure to germs.

Cleaning your toothbrush should become part of your dental hygiene. Most importantly, before you brush your teeth, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with hot water to rinse it of any additional germs. If you are ready to set your annual teeth cleaning, contact Jacas Family Dental for available appointment times.