Upright storage prevents bacteria growth.
Although brushing your teeth is crucial to maintaining a clean and healthy smile, toothbrushes can be breeding grounds for bacteria. According to the American Dental Association, some of the microorganisms that live in the mouth can move to your toothbrush. Properly cleaning your toothbrush can destroy bacteria instead of constantly transferring it between your mouth and toothbrush. Does this Spark an idea?
Immediate Cleaning
Clean your toothbrush immediately after all brushing sessions. Keep your faucet running and rinse your toothbrush until all leftover toothpaste or food particles are completely removed. Do not rub the toothbrush bristles to clean them and never clean toothbrushes in the dishwasher or heat them in the microwave to destroy germs. The American Dental Association states that most toothbrushes cannot withstand that type of force. If the bristles become frayed or damaged, the toothbrush won't be able to effectively clean the plaque or debris from your teeth. After rinsing your toothbrush, place the bristles into a cap of antibacterial mouthwash and soak it for one minute. Rinse the brush again to remove any traces of the mouthwash.
Storage
Incorrectly storing your toothbrush can undo all the effort you put into cleaning it. Place your toothbrush upright to dry. Make sure it is not touching any other toothbrushes. If other people have not properly cleaned their toothbrushes, the microorganisms can easily move onto your toothbrush. Although it may seem like a smart choice to keep your toothbrush in a covered container to protect it from exposure to germs, the American Dental Association states that bacteria is actually more likely to grow in closed containers.
Use upright toothbrush holders with individual slots rather than a community cup where everyone's brushes lean against one another. Keeping your toothbrush upright will prevent any bacteria from the sink's surface from contaminating your brush, while the individual slot holders will maintain a safe distance from other toothbrushes. No matter how often you clean your brush though, it will still need to be replaced every three to four months.
Choosing Commercial Cleaners
For additional cleaning power, try a commercial toothbrush cleaner. The American Dental Association reports that although no clinical evidence has been reported for or against these cleaners, people can use these cleaners for extra bacteria protection; for instance, if someone in your household has a contagious condition. If you want to use one of these products to clean toothbrushes, examine the package carefully and make sure it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for safety. Only purchase toothbrush cleaning products that claim to reduce bacteria or sanitize brushes, meaning a small percentage of bacteria may still remain. Do not purchase one that claims to sterilize, or kill all germs completely. There are no cleaners on the market that have been found to truly sterilize toothbrush bacteria, so any product that claims to do so is falsely advertising. After you choose a cleaner, follow the manufacturer's directions, then dry and store it properly.
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