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.
I asked Marc Lowenberg, a dentist in New York City, to weigh in. "In order for this to be a problem, the bacteria in the bathroom would have to be airborne. Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you're scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you're safe," says Lowenberg.
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.
Avoid covering toothbrushes or storing them in closed containers, which can cause the growth of bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out. This is because a worn-out toothbrush may not work as well, not because it might carry more germs.
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.
The best way to keep your toothbrush safe from bacteria, mold and viruses is by using a toothbrush holder that holds it in place with the bristles up. It is also best to use one with a cover that has good ventilation.
Toothbrush covers are actually detrimental to the overall sanitation of your toothbrush and therefore also to your oral health. 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.
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.
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.
There's a solid chance your toothbrush is infested with fecal bacteria. According to Miryam Wahram, author of “The Hand Book: Surviving in a Germ-Filled World,” a toothbrush can be more germ-riddled than a toilet seat.
While you are busy observing oral hygiene, the toothbrush undergoes wear and tear. How do you know it is time to throw the old or tattered toothbrush away? Doctors and toothbrush manufacturers advise clients to change toothbrush every 12 to 16 weeks to avoid bacteria build-up.
Just add some peroxide (3% is fine) into a small glass and put the brush head (bristles down) into the peroxide overnight. Peroxide is a very oxygen-rich environment. So, it does a very good job of robbing these low-oxygen-environment-loving thug bugs of a major condition they need to survive.
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.
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.
Covering or storing your toothbrush in containers is not recommended by the American Dental Association, because humid environments breed bacteria. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rinse the toothbrush after use and allow it to dry.
There may be room to debate wetting a toothbrush before use, but not after! A clean, dry toothbrush and proper storage conditions help prevent bacteria growth.
Toothbrush. Your toothbrush won't expire in a set amount of time after its manufactured date, but it certainly needs to be replaced often. The soft bristles on your toothbrush become frayed and worn down very quickly after constant use, becoming far less effective at cleaning your teeth.
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.
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.