According to the Centers for Disease Control, "Even after being
visibly rinsed clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with
potentially pathogenic organisms." Yuck! Here is how to get your
toothbrush clean.
-
Keep your toothbrush in a cabinet or use a toothbrush protector. Do
not keep lots of brushes in one cup. They will rub together and
spread germs.
- Wash your hands before handling your toothbrush.
- Wash your toothbrush before and after every use. This
constitutes holding it under running water and rubbing your thumb
over it with force. Do this for five to ten seconds.
- Deep clean it occasionally, by placing it on the top rack of a
dishwasher and running it with ordinary dish soap.
-
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months. If it is
electric, replace the head every three to four months.
-
Always use toothpaste. This will also help keep it clean.
-
If you notice the ends of the bristles bending, then it is time to
replace your toothbrush.
- Consider spending about $20.00 on a UV toothbrush cleaner. It
is safe and it automatically shuts off.
- By storing your toothbrush in a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide
(H202) solution (changed daily, as it turns
to water in a matter of hours) you can keep your toothbrush
disinfected.
- You can also pour some mouthwash (like Listerine) that contains
alcohol into a small cup and stir it with the bristled end of your
brush for thirty seconds. The alcohol will kill off most of the
bacteria.
- Some sources such as the papers cited in external links below
strongly suggest keeping your toothbrush as far away from your
toilet as possible. And simply putting down the top lid before
flushing cuts down the airborne bacteria from waste matter by
enormous amounts. Other sources, such as the TV show Myth Busters,
claim that the fecal germs are just as prevalent in the rest of the
house as next to an open toilet.
- If anyone in your home gets a contagious sickness, throw their
brush--and any other brush it came into contact with--away. Their
sickness can spread along the toothbrush and onto others.
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Warnings
- If you keep your toothbrush in a toothbrush protector, ensure
it is dry before using the toothbrush protector. Failure to do so
may lead to the development of mold on the bristles. Also
toothbrush holders with holes for ventilation and that will help
with storage and mold are sold.
- Note that toothpaste is required while brushing, as it provides
a lubricant to help protect the enamel on your teeth.
- Living in an overly sterile environment for long periods of
time can decrease your immunity. This does not mean that keeping
your toothbrush clean will decrease your immunity, it means that
keeping everything sterile can lead to a decrease in
immunity.
- Depending upon the type of plastic used to make your brush,
putting it in the dishwasher may melt it. Always place in the top
rack and if possible secure it there.
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Sources and Citations
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