How to Disinfect Your Toothbrush and Keep It Clean

How to Disinfect Your Toothbrush and Keep It Clean? Toothbrushes are an important part of oral hygiene, but they’re also an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can spread to the rest of your body if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to disinfect your toothbrush and keep it clean, so you can eliminate these harmful organisms and keep yourself healthy.

1. Wash Your Hands Before and After Brushing Your Teeth

You should always wash your hands well before you use your toothbrush and again afterward. It’s a good idea to boil water or use antibacterial soap unless you’re using flavored toothpaste, which can also be an effective way of disinfecting your brush. You can also just use cold water.

It’s not necessary to make an extra effort with dry hands either, as long as your bathroom has a floor that’s no more than 30 minutes old (old surfaces harbor germs). Get used to washing your hands every couple of hours, especially if you work in the medical profession or care for small children. Your hands are the main vehicle for the transmission of germs.

2. Rinse and Store Your Toothbrush Properly

So, you’ve got a clean house and you have no kids, but still, the germs are everywhere! Well, that means that you need to get your toothbrush properly disinfected right after you use it.

Many people store their toothbrushes with the head or bristles pointing up, but this can be unsafe. Instead, hold it horizontally in your hand while rinsing water through it and running cold water over the bristles before removing them safely into some kind of storage. If you have a reusable toothbrush and the bristles are still covered in toothpaste, they should be removed before storing.

If you have kids and plan on sharing your toothbrush with them, don’t leave it around for them to pick up and put back soiled. This is a very easy way for kids to contract germs from their parents, or worse yet, start their little germ farm.

3. Disinfect Your Toothbrush and Store It Properly

To disinfect your toothbrush, you first need to cover it with either bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Don’t use the universal all-purpose bleach, as some toothbrushes are sensitive to bleach and can discolor them.

Be sure to rinse out all the liquid after you disinfect your brush, and store it somewhere that’s not too hot or cold. If you’re going to store it anywhere that’s still open to the air, make sure there are no cracks that’ll allow germs in.

4. Use UV Light Sanitizers to Disinfect Your Toothbrush

UV light sanitizers are also very effective at eliminating germs. You can buy these online and they’re also available in some stores, like drugstores or beauty supplies. They work by blasting your toothbrush with UV light, which kills harmful bacteria and viruses. Some reviewers find these to be more effective than hydrogen peroxide or bleach.

UV Light Sanitizers will help you reduce germs and kill bacteria so that you don’t have to deal with any of the nasty side effects that come from using a dirty toothbrush.

5. Antibacterial Mouthwash

Another method of disinfecting your toothbrush is to use an antibacterial mouthwash. You can buy this separately at the drugstore, but it’s also available in some toothpaste. Don’t use Scope or Aquafresh mouthwash, since they’re not as effective. The best ones contain Listeria Monocytogenes (Listerine) and work by killing harmful germs that may have found their way into your mouth from many sources, including your toothbrush.

6. Use Denture Cleaner

This method is something that’s generally only used to kill germs in dentures, but it can also be used to disinfect toothbrushes. Dentist-strength denture cleaners will work just fine for this task. The main ingredient in this kind of product is hydrogen peroxide, which you may recognize for its antibacterial properties.

Using this kind of cleaner will help you kill germs, disinfect your toothbrush and make sure that it’s clean enough to use without damaging your gums or teeth.

7. Use Baking Soda

If you can’t get your hands on a denture cleaner, the next best thing is baking soda. You can buy this in bulk at any grocery or bulk food store. Another good reason to use baking soda is that it’s not only completely natural but also has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This means that it’ll help you get rid of germs and disinfect your toothbrush thoroughly.

Baking Soda can also be used to keep your toothbrush clean in between uses so that you don’t have to do it every time. Sprinkle a bit on the bristles, and then wipe it off with a cloth. This will help you avoid having to wet your toothbrush too frequently. The baking soda will absorb any moisture and help keep it dry and sanitary until you’re ready to use it again.

8. Use White Vinegar

Another great, non-toxic alternative to disinfecting your toothbrush is vinegar. You just need white vinegar, which you can get at the grocery store in a gallon jug with or without the mother. You can also get distilled white vinegar online or at some health food stores. This kind of liquid is perfect for cleaning and disinfecting your toothbrush, but it also helps remove stains from your teeth as well.

To use this method, simply soak your toothbrush in about half a cup of vinegar for 10 minutes. You should then run it through the dishwasher since this will probably be more effective at disinfecting than rubbing it with your hands.

9. Use Baking Soda, White Vinegar, and Toothpaste

You can also use three other ingredients that are all found in store-bought toothpaste to clean and disinfect your toothbrush. Simply mix one part baking soda with two parts white vinegar, and then one part toothpaste. You can then use this mixture to sanitize your toothbrush after you’re done brushing your teeth.

10. Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3–4 Months

In general, it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, but this period can vary depending on your activities and what type of toothpaste you use (the more abrasive it is, the more frequently you should replace your brush). To indicate when it’s time to get a new toothbrush, look at the bristles. If they’re bent, splayed, or frayed, you should replace them.

If the bristles are intact but your toothbrush is discolored or small holes have developed in the plastic handle, then it’s time for a new brush. If you’re going to use your toothbrush for up to 3 months, it’s a good idea to replace it as soon as you notice this discoloration or wear and tear.

If after brushing your teeth with a new toothbrush, they still look and feel clean, then it’s a good idea to reevaluate and see if there’s been any change in the way that you brush. If there isn’t, try doing it differently or use a new toothpaste. You may have been putting too much pressure on your brush and cracking the bristles to effectively use them.

How to Disinfect Your Toothbrush and Keep It Clean – Conclusion

If you’ve got really bad teeth, you should consider getting new brushes every 3 months instead of every 4 months. The bristles will wear out faster and can consequently harbor more germs than the older ones.