The results of this study show that the most effective method for disinfecting toothbrushes was submersion in 50% white vinegar, which is cost-effective, easy to access, and appropriate for household use.
Boil your toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Although it is hard on your toothbrush, boiling water will most germs. A toothbrush can be put into the silverware compartment of the dishwasher to be sanitized. Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap.
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.
Although boiling water can be a bit harsh on the plastic of your brush, it does a great job killing the bacteria that builds up over time. Boil a small pot of water on the stove and dip the head of your toothbrush in the rolling boil for at least three minutes to kill most germs.
Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda in 1 cup of water and soak your toothbrush in the solution if you don't have mouthwash. toothbrush in a 3% Hydrogen Peroxide (H202) solution that is changed daily. Use enough solution to cover the bristles. This can keep your toothbrush disinfected.
Swirling the toothbrush head in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. Dunking the bristles into a cup of water that has two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into it. Soaking the toothbrush in vinegar overnight once a week.
Using Vinegar and Backing Soda
Mix 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and a 1/2 scoop of baking soda. Place your toothbrush in this for 30 minutes.
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.
Clean Your Toothbrush with Baking Soda
Soak your toothbrush in a cup of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Baking soda has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill bacteria that is a major contributor to tooth decay.
Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip or piece of wax paper, then apply it to the bristles. Remember, you only need a pea-sized amount. Toothbrushes can still have germs on them even after being visibly rinsed clean.
You don't need to throw out your toothbrush and shouldn't try to disinfect it after you've been sick, but if you'd feel better doing so, there's no harm in getting a new one. In general, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if it looks worn out.
Could Your Toothbrush Be Making You Sick? Probably not. Regardless of how many bacteria live in your mouth, or have gotten in there via your toothbrush, your body's natural defenses make it highly unlikely that you're going to catch an infection simply from brushing your teeth.
Pre-clean your toothbrush
Wash the toothbrush with the dish detergent and hot water, then rinse with clean water.
Baking soda is a natural method to disinfect your toothbrush. Simply mix two teaspoons of baking soda into one cup of water and mix thoroughly. Soak your toothbrush in the solution for 15 minutes and then allow your toothbrush to air dry.
[6] Listerine killed all the microorganisms on the toothbrush bristles. Caudry et al. had suggested that soaking the toothbrush bristles in Listerine for 20 minutes prevents bacterial contamination.
While some sources recommend putting your toothbrush in the dishwasher, boiling it in water, and using a UV sanitizing light, these methods can damage the bristles or the entire brush. Using the microwave to disinfect a toothbrush is also not recommended. The heat can actually damage the toothbrush.
The bathroom is one of the most germ-infested rooms in any house, but leaving a toothbrush in a damp shower makes your brush (and mouth) a target for unwanted microbes. Given enough of the wrong types of bacteria, an extra germy toothbrush could even lead to diarrhea or skin infection.
According to orthodontist Ana Castilla, DDS, your mouth is home to millions of germs and becomes "contaminated with bacteria, saliva, food debris, and maybe even blood the moment you use your toothbrush," but, she says, disinfecting your toothbrush isn't necessary—or even recommended.
After brushing, rinse your brush head under running water while the handle is still on. Detach the brush head from the handle and clean both separately. Make sure water runs inside the top of the handle and inside the brush head. Wipe all parts dry before reassembling your brush and brush head.
Rinse with cold water and allow it to dry before using it. Soak in apple cider vinegar: With antimicrobial properties, this biodegradable disinfectant can help destroy mouth bacteria. Place your toothbrush in a cup of ACV for 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly, then allow to dry before using.
Soak the brush with hardened paint in vinegar for an hour. If the bristles don't bend, soak for an additional hour. If it needs more loosening after two hours, submerge the head of the brush in vinegar in a pot, place the pot on a stove and bring to a boil. Afterwards, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool off.
Create a vinegar solution to disinfect the brushes.
Add one part water and two parts vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) to a bowl or jar, giving it a swish to mix it up. Swirl the brushes in the solution for a minute or so, trying to mostly get the bristles.
“Toothbrushes should be stored upright in an environment that allows for them to dry out completely between uses,” Mia L.
You should never store your brush in a closed or airtight container, as bacteria love moisture and will thrive in this environment. Instead, place the brush in a cup or holder in an upright position to ensure that it dries off thoroughly. Avoid putting it in a drawer or cabinet, as well.
Shutting the toilet lid can help, but keeping toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible can reduce the amount of bacteria that may land on them. Keeping toothbrushes away from the sink can also keep them more sanitary. When you use the sink to wash, water, soap, and bacteria can splash on your toothbrushes.