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.
It is also advisable to keep it in a dry environment and not to store it in special toothbrush cases or bristle protectors, if the toothbrush is wet, remember that moisture is a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria.
One expert, professor Damien Walmsley of the British Dental Association, said, “A dry brush will increase friction with the bristles while a wet toothbrush adds moisture and for most people, makes the experience more pleasant.
Wetting before softens toothbrush bristles and rinses off debris. Wetting after ensures the toothpaste melts into your toothbrush so it doesn't roll off. Not wetting your toothbrush means there aren't extra steps between applying toothpaste and brushing.
You can let your toothbrush sit in the open air for 30 minutes, then check that the bristles are dry before you put it away. You can use a clean paper towel to quickly dry a toothbrush before storing it in an airtight container, if you want.
About 100 million bacteria can lurk on an uncovered toothbrush! Some bacteria, such as E. coli, can cause diarrhea while others, such as staphylococci, can cause skin infections.
If you need to cover your toothbrush for travel, there's a right way to accomplish the task. The ADA recommends that you dry the head of a toothbrush with a clean cloth or paper towel by gently squeezing the brush. This will allow you to force out the moisture without breaking or damaging the bristles.
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."
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.
After you've finished brushing, rinse your toothbrush and shake off the excess water. Run a finger or thumb across the bristles to help remove the water. If you choose to cover your toothbrush with a holder or container, air dry your toothbrush first in an upright position. You may want to have two toothbrushes.
It also allows the toothpaste to stick to your toothbrush more effectively and rinses off any debris that came into contact with your toothbrush since the last time you brushed. While these benefits might matter to some, it's much more important to practice proper brushing habits.
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.
If you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom, near the commode, then every time you flush, chances are the small particles of fecal matter that flow into the surrounding environment can also reach your toothbrush. But that's not the only mistake you could be making.
Store toothbrush upright, not lying down, either inside of a cabinet or underneath the sink in a closed cabinet. Be sure that air can fully circulate around the brush head so that it can completely air dry, you don't want the bristles to retain any moisture.
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.
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.
Dry brushing is unlikely to cause serious harm, but it can cause skin damage if a person does it too often or too hard. Some potential side effects include: irritation. soreness or pain.
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.
Stagnant air won't help the brush dry out quickly, and time is of the essence with mold's ability to begin growing in as little as 24 hours. Every bathroom is different, so take a look around to see what area would make a perfect toothbrush home.
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don't rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste. Rinsing dilutes it and reduces its preventative effects.
Unlike popular belief, using toothpaste is not mandatory while brushing our teeth. Brushing our teeth with a paste makes our mouth feel fresh and clean, but toothpaste is, in fact, an avoidable step. The greatest threat to our teeth and gums is dental plaque that accumulates after eating food and drinking liquids.
Short answer: no, you should not rinse your mouth immediately after brushing your teeth. Most toothpastes contain an active ingredient called fluoride, which is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. When you rinse with water after brushing, you're prematurely washing out the fluoride that's working on your teeth.
It's important that you use your toothbrush correctly. Always make sure to rinse it in tap water and give it time to air dry. Germs need moisture to survive, so as long as you give your brush enough time to dry before using it, you should be fine.
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. Make sure to rinse your brush under cold water afterwards to bring it back to a safe temperature and wait a few more minutes before using it to avoid burns!
The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three months. It's around this time that bristles begin to break down and become less effective at cleaning your teeth. Germs are another factor.