Don't Keep Your Toothbrush Near The Toilet Put your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible—at least six feet is a good rule of thumb. Because of “airborne particles”, always flush with the lid down.
With every toilet flush there's a spray of bacteria in the air. And, you don't want the toilet spray anywhere near your open toothbrush. The airborne particles from flushing your toilet can travel up to 6 feet, so do not brush within 6 feet of a toilet.
Find a good place away from the toilet and as far away from splashing water as you can. You can invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or a holder with a lid (as long as there is enough airflow to dry the toothbrush!) or use the medicine cabinet.
Every time you flush your toilet, a cloud of water vapor deposits microscopic poo particles on everything in your bathroom -- including your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is gross. More than likely it's covered in bacteria, blood and saliva.
Close to the Toilet
In fact, it's best to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. If your bathroom is small and storage is limited, DO put the toilet sit down before flushing and DO put a cover on your toothbrush when it's dry, between uses.
The American Dental Association recommends that toothbrushes should not be stored in closed containers, as damp environments increase the growth of microorganisms. It is best to store them vertically in a clean place and let them dry naturally.
Bacteria thrive in moist environments and a toothbrush cover provides just that. While it may keep other things out, it also locks everything else in. Your brush needs to thoroughly dry between uses so that new bacteria do not grow and multiply on the surface of it.
These tiny water drops can carry pathogens such as E. coli, C. difficile, noroviruses and adenoviruses, and while many past studies have shown that these pathogens can live in the toilet bowl for dozens of flushes, the increase for potential exposure risk may be cause for concern.
We found that a typical commercial toilet generates a strong upward jet of air with velocities exceeding 6.6 feet per second (2 meters per second), rapidly carrying these particles up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the bowl within eight seconds of the start of the flush.
Plus, a toothbrush is like a magnet that attracts bacteria. If you leave your toothbrush next to the toilet sink, they can become contaminated with bacteria while you wash your hands and accidentally splash water. At this time, the risk of an imbalance bacterial system in the oral cavity will increase.
Tips for Sanitizing Toothbrushes
A few ways to clean away any lingering germs include: 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.
The cosmetic dentist explained to The Sun: "If you wet the toothbrush before you put the toothpaste on, you're diluting it. "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."
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.
Try to store your toothbrush as far away as possible from the toilet. This is because each toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air and I'm sure you don't want that near your open toothbrush! We recommend at least 3 feet!
Toilet Brush - wash every 7 days, replace every 6 months
But all that bacteria you've scrubbed away from the toilet is now thriving on your brush. Whenever you use a toilet brush, you should rinse it with the water from the flush. Then, let the brush air dry by closing the toilet lid and letting it drip into the bowl.
As it turns out, research suggests that we definitely should be closing the lid before every flush, no matter how clean your toilet is. After all, toilets have lids for a reason.
Toilets are designed to efficiently empty the contents of the bowl through a downward motion into the drainpipe, but the force of the flush cycle also creates a fine spray of particles in the air. Those particles easily spread when a lid is left up during flushing.
' Researchers say flushing with the lid up releases a so-called 'aerosol plume' – a big cloud of vapour particles that carry bacteria and other pathogens. Some of these particles can zoom straight into your face, land on your skin, or even come into contact with objects around the bathroom - including your toothbrush.
In addition to the visible drops of water that are generated upon flushing the toilet, smaller droplets that are just micrometres (µM) in diameter also form and are propelled into the surrounding air. These aerosolised droplets could contain faecal bacteria, such as E. coli, and spread disease.
This is in addition to the bacteria found on the other parts that you have come into contact with, such as the flush handle covered in as much as 83 bacteria per sq. in and the toilet seat surrounded by over 295 bacteria per sq. in.
So long as you have access to a sink, it's a perfect time to brush. Keep it discreet: Some people find it a little odd when they see someone brushing their teeth in a public restroom, so be mindful or others. If needed, keep it shorter than normal.
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.
It is important that you replace your toothbrush every so often—every 3-4 months to be exact. Your toothbrush becomes less effective after around three months because the bristles begin to wear down. Also, bacteria tend to build up on your toothbrush over time as well.
And if you are standing directly under the water, you may be getting some of it in your mouth as you brush, causing your toothpaste to dilute or run down your face. Bottom line: If you want to save water, take your shower as quickly as you can, and brush your teeth before or after with the faucet off while you brush.