And the CDC recommends against soaking toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash, which might just provide more opportunities for cross-contamination.
Soak your toothbrush in mouthwash.
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. Avoid soaking your toothbrush overnight; otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the bristles.
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.
Bacteria can easily grow on toothbrushes, so it's important to store them in a clean, dry place. The best way to do this is to use a protective case in your suitcase or toiletry bag. But DO take your brush out of the case and allow it to air dry between uses wherever you're visiting.
[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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.
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."
You might have seen a flood of Twitter chatter sparked by a tweet reading, “Do ya'll wet the toothbrush first, or put toothpaste on first?” The response online was mixed, but our answer is pretty simple: Wetting your toothbrush is more a matter of preference and doesn't significantly change the success of brushing.
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.
Step 3.)
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.
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.
Viruses and bacteria from an infected person's mouth can live for weeks on a toothbrush surface, and continue to cause illness, says Cooper, a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
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.
The accumulated water and protein-laden water drips down and there are enough nutrients in that water to allow bacteria and mold to grow [sic]. Which all sounds about right: Gunk and mold thrive wherever water sits stagnant—say, the base of the toothbrush, or where the head is attached.
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.
As mentioned, microwaving proved useful for killing Strep germs on a toothbrush according to one study. Set the bristle end of the brush in a glass of water. Microwave for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the brush from the water, and place it in a safe place to air dry.
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.
It is possible to become sick by using a germy toothbrush. However, with the help of our immune system and everyday good hygiene habits, it is unlikely that your toothbrush will make you sick. But, there is still a chance for these bacteria to break through our defenses.