Storage to Avoid After use, make sure to rinse off all the excess toothpaste that has been left. Avoid storing your toothbrush in a plastic ziploc bag, even while traveling. There should be at least some ventilation given, especially if the toothbrush is packed up while it is still damp.
Maintain airflow
Contrary to what some experts may tell you, storing your toothbrush in a plastic case or plastic bag is not a good idea. Germs thrive in a moist environment, so keeping your toothbrush sealed in an enclosed space only makes your toothbrush the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
Clean your toothbrush holder frequently
Remember keeping your toothbrush clean helps your oral care as well. The most sanitary way to store your toothbrush is to keep the toothbrush in a clean holder where airflow can dry the toothbrush. Yet, it won't be contaminated by bathroom germs.
When it comes to packing your toothbrush in a travel case, choose a holder that covers the brush head and offers some ventilation so that it can breathe and any wetness has a chance to dry. Better yet, if it's possible, make sure your toothbrush is completely dry before you pack it.
The correct way to care for your toothbrush after brushing is to rinse it well so that all residue comes off, give it a good shake to remove excess water, and then store it upright in a cup or holder so that it's not touching any other toothbrushes.
The best solution is to keep your toothbrush in a corner of your bathroom away from the sink & toilet. If you're strapped for space, you can get a wall-mounted toothbrush holder to place high enough to avoid any splashing from the sink.
You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don't have mouthwash, you can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed into 1 cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.
Either way, a cover is usually used as a way of protecting our toothbrush from outside germs and bacteria. We all want a clean toothbrush; after all, it is something that we use in our mouth! It's no secret that toothbrushes can harbor lots of germs, including bacteria and viruses.
Dry It Out
Basically, any crevice in your suitcase. This is why air drying your toothbrush before packing it away is ideal. But with the hustle of traveling, this isn't always possible. Before packing a damp toothbrush, shake off as much residue water from the bristles as you can.
The best places to keep your toothbrushes stored are in uncovered cup holders far away from toilets or as dry as possible inside ventilated cabinets or drawers, Martinna says. Electric toothbrushes can dry in their own base, in an upright position.
Don't use a toothbrush cap!
This is alluded to above (do let your toothbrush air dry), but many people erroneously believe that a toothbrush cover will protect the bristles from unsanitary particles. The truth is that covering up damp bristles just makes them the perfect breeding ground for germy growth.
Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.
Make Your Own Travel Toothpaste Container
Make your own travel toothpaste tubes. Another toothpaste hack is to find another container for your toothpaste that's not as fragile and takes up less room. An eye dropper works great, particularly for weekend camping trips.
If you're not using your toothbrush, store it upright so air can circulate it. Never put a wet toothbrush back into its case. Store it dry. If you're going to be gone for more than a day, store your toothbrush in a clean, dry container.
First things first – if you're wondering, “can you bring a toothbrush on a plane” the answer is a straightforward yes!
Your hot, humid shower is the kind of environment that bacteria loves. So storing your toothbrush in there around the clock is a bad idea according to Craig, “Because it gives bacteria plenty of time to accumulate and grow while it's being stored in there.”
Take a minute to learn if brushing as you bathe is safe for your smile. Proponents of brushing in the shower say it's not as messy, which may be true on a person-to-person basis. They also often claim it saves water and time, reasoning brushing while rinsing off or waiting for conditioner to set is more efficient.
Patel said that doing so can dilute the toothpaste and negatively affect your oral health. “Toothpaste already has the right amount of moisture. If it's wet, it makes it foam up faster and makes you spit it out sooner,” Patel told GB News.
Use and Replace
In the event of illness such as cold or flu, a toothbrush should be replaced immediately following the illness, even if the brush was new. Germs and viruses can live on the toothbrush head for weeks and holding onto it after illness increases the reintroduction of that bacteria into your mouth.
One common way to disinfect your toothbrush is through the use of mouthwash, like Listerine. You'll want to soak your toothbrush in the solution for at least 3 to 5 minutes at a time. After the specified amount of time, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before use.
Toothbrush Storage On the Bathroom Counter
The bathroom counter is one of the best places to store your toothbrush. It's out of the way of busy areas in your home, like the kitchen, and it's easy to keep clean. Plus, you're less likely to forget to brush your teeth if your toothbrush is in plain sight.
Let it dry completely.
The bacteria that live on a toothbrush after you use it are considered anaerobic — meaning they will die in the presence of oxygen. So, if you let your toothbrush air dry, it will take care of most bacteria.
Always choose soft bristles. In fact, if you have a manual toothbrush with soft bristles now and you feel like it's not doing a good job removing plaque from your teeth, try switching to an electric toothbrush with soft bristles—you'll be pleasantly surprised by what a difference it makes.