5 expert tips for cleaning and protecting your toothbrush from germs
There are millions of bacteria in our mouths, including those that live in dental plaque, so it's no surprise that these bacteria can accumulate on your toothbrush.
However, bacteria from toilet bowl can also settle on bristles. For example, when you flush toilet, circulating water also mixes with fine particles of that waste, releasing aerosolized feces called fecal coliform bacteria into air, where it sticks to your top toothbrush.
Philip Tierno, a microbiologist at New York University, believes that a phenomenon known as toilet plume can reach a height of 15 feet. And studies show that it can end up on your toothbrush.
While germs on toothbrushes are not thought to directly cause health problems, regular toothbrush cleaning is very important. A toothbrush can be used to maintain good oral hygiene, store it properly, and it is important to know when to replace it. After all, what's point of brushing your teeth if your toothbrush isn't clean?
Here's how to prevent spread of germs to and from your toothbrush, and best way to clean it. 1. Wash your hands before and after brushing your teethFirst, it's important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds each time you touch your toothbrush. Wash your hands because they are main carriers of germs and viruses. Washing your hands before and after brushing will help stop spread of germs between bristles.
2. Wash and store your toothbrush properly.
After each use, thoroughly rinse toothbrush under running water to remove food debris, toothpaste and plaque residue. After rinsing, store it upright and let it air dry. Bacteria on toothbrushes are mostly anaerobic, meaning they die in presence of oxygen, so air drying will kill most bacteria.
Also, germs love closed containers or cabinets, so it's important to keep them out. However, try not to put it next to a toilet — close toilet seat before flushing — to prevent exposure to toilet plume bacteria.
Finally, don't store multiple brushes, such as those belonging to family members, together. It is better if they do not come into contact with each other, since germs can also spread in this way.
3. Sanitize your toothbrush.
If you want to take extra precautions - like accidentally dropping your toothbrush on floor and it's obviously dirty - you can sanitize your toothbrush even better to kill germs even more. Is there any way? Wool fabric? Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that destroys main components of germ cells and inactivates a wide range of microorganisms. Antiseptic mouthwashes contain various active ingredients, such as alcohol and menthol, which can kill bacteria.
According to a 2011 study, soaking a toothbrush in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or mouthwash kills 100% of bacteria.
Here is a four-step method for disinfecting your toothbrush using an antiseptic mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide:
- Rinse bristles thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.
- Pour antiseptic mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide into a small cup so that it covers toothbrush.
- Soak for about 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with water before reuse.
There are other more handy items, like a toothbrush that can be sanitized by kitchen cabinet, and vinegar will work too. Research has shown that using 100% white vinegar to sanitize toothbrushes is most effective alternative. The Children's Institute of Oral Health recommends soaking a solution of two teaspoons of baking soda in one glass of water. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has an antibacterial cleaning power and can also be used as a whitening ingredient in toothpaste.
UV disinfectant
UV disinfectants kill bacteria by breaking molecular bonds that connect DNA of viruses and bacteria. Although UV light has been found to be less effective than hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash, several studies have shown that it can still kill bacteria on a toothbrush.
4. Keep your toothbrush in a safe place while traveling.To keep your toothbrush sterile on go, it should be opened and removed, not wrapped.
Air-dry your toothbrush for as long as possible, ideally until it is completely dry before putting it back in your travel case or bag. The most important steps you can take to protect yourself from germs. You can also wash away dirt with soap or an antibacterial mouthwash by rinsing it with hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, as if you were brushing your teeth with a toothbrush.
5. Know when to throw away your toothbrush
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months or as bristles wear out. This is due to fact that effectiveness of removing plaque with brushes decreases as bristles wear,
5 expert tips for cleaning and protecting your toothbrush from germs
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