We use a toothbrush to keep our teeth clean and feeling fresh. However, most people also forget to clean the very item we use to maintain good oral hygiene. When your toothbrush is covered in dirt and germs, how can you expect it to do a good job at cleaning your teeth?
There are plenty of home remedies to disinfect your toothbrush. Proper toothbrush care is just as important as oral health since a dirty toothbrush can harbor bacteria, and can be a breeding ground for mold and microorganisms.
How to Disinfect Toothbrush: 5 Easy Ways
Disinfecting your toothbrush can be done in a multitude of ways depending on what you already have at home. Here are five ways in proper toothbrush care that you may want to consider:
Antibacterial Mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash can remove the common bacteria and germs from your mouth, and it can also be used as a convenient sanitizer for your toothbrush! Place a solution of antibacterial mouthwash in a small cup and let your toothbrush soak in it when not in use.
You can also clean your electric toothbrush the same way. Remove the head attachment from the body, and soak only the non-mechanical parts into the antibacterial solution.
UV Toothbrush Sanitizer
A UV light can be used to disinfect surfaces as the light has been found to kill off most germs and bacteria. There are some toothbrush holder models that come equipped with a UV sanitizer. If you have multiple toothbrushes to sanitize, this is probably your best option.
Most models come with four or five toothbrush racks meant to hold toothbrushes for a whole family. There are also individual holders that minimize cross-contamination of toothbrushes. Consider getting a UV toothbrush sanitizer for your family to ensure proper oral health!
Also read: How to Disinfect a Humidifier
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide isn't just an effective cleaning agent, it is also an efficient disinfectant that is also safe enough to use as mouthwash. Keep a small cup of hydrogen peroxide in your bathroom to store your toothbrush, and replace the solution after every use for a clean toothbrush!
If the solution seems too harsh for your preference, you may dilute the hydrogen peroxide with clean water for a milder solution. This will take longer to kill the germs, but will work just as well to disinfect your toothbrush.
Baking Soda and Hot Water
Baking soda and boiling water can be used to disinfect your toothbrush easily and quickly. This is a cost-effective method of disinfecting your toothbrush, and can be used on electric toothbrush types as well. Let your toothbrush soak in a solution of two teaspoons of baking soda, and one cup of boiling water.
The heat of the water should kill off any germs, and the baking soda will remove excess dirt, mold, and hidden food particles. Let the toothbrush sit in the solution until cool then remove it from the soak. Allow your toothbrush to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
Denture Cleaning Tablet
Denture tablets are meant to clean and sanitize dentures when not in use. You can use denture cleaning tablets to sanitize your toothbrush all the same. Simply dissolve a denture tablet in a small cup of water, and soak your toothbrush the same way you would dentures.
Keep the toothbrush soaked when not in use, and rinse before brushing your teeth if you're concerned for the taste of the toothbrush. For a powerful cleaning action, dissolve the denture cleaning tablet in hot water instead of room temperature.
How to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean
Keeping your toothbrush clean will keep germs away from your mouth, and lead to better oral protection against mouth sores, sore throat, and diseases. Here are a couple of tips on keeping your toothbrush clear from germs:
Keep Cleaning Solutions in Medicine Cabinet
For a convenient disinfection, keep the cleaning solution of your choice in an easy-to-reach location like the medicine cabinet. Keeping them in the cabinet is much more organized than keeping them on the bathroom sink counter, while you still have easy access to that hydrogen peroxide or denture cleaning tablet.
Cover the Toilet Seat Before Flushing
Studies have proven that flushing the toilet actually causes a bacterial bloom, where germs and bacteria are thrown into the air after flushing. These germs can get to your toothbrush, which are the main cause of bacterial growth on the bristles.
Cover the toilet before flushing to keep the bacteria contained. This will prevent bacteria from infecting your toothbrush, as well as the rest of the bathroom. You'll get sick less, and have an overall healthier quality of life by doing this simple habit.
Store your Toothbrush in an Unexposed Location
Exposing your toothbrush to the elements is how bacteria finds their way to your toothbrush. Keep your toothbrush in a toothbrush holder that has a cover to prevent germs from finding their way to your toothbrush bristles. This is where the UV toothbrush holder comes in handy as it stores and cleans your toothbrush at the same time.
Rinse your Toothbrush in Hot Water from the Tap
Before and after brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush using the hot water setting on your tap. By doing so, you are killing off the germs on your toothbrush. Let the water run on your toothbrush for at least thirty seconds to ensure a complete clean!
Alternatively, you can dip your toothbrush in boiling hot water to keep the bristles clean as well. Air dry your toothbrush, and store it in a sanitary holder.
