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.
The most sanitary way to store your toothbrush is to keep the toothbrush in a clean holder where airflow can dry the toothbrush. Yet, it won't be contaminated by bathroom germs.
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.
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.
Soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash. Rinse thoroughly before using again. For everyday cleaning, you can store your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide. When you brush your teeth, change out the hydrogen peroxide.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A 3% Hydrogen Peroxide solution is a great choice if you want to kill all of the yeast, fungi, bacteria, viruses and mold spores living on your 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.
Storing Your Toothbrush in the Right Place
If your bedroom is well-ventilated and dry, it is the best spot for your toothbrush. To ensure the health of your teeth and gums, you also need to make sure your toothbrush is not exposed to bad bacteria.
If your toothbrush doesn't have a travel case, pick one up at the store or, in a pinch, secure a plastic bag around the brush head to avoid contaminating the bristles. Just remember to let it air out once you arrive at your destination.
Our mouths are also bacteria ridden locations. So our toothbrush picks up bacteria from our mouths which then make their way (multiplying as they go) to the holder. Damp and rarely cleaned toothbrush holders become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Take a minute to learn if brushing as you bathe is safe for your smile. Proponents of brushing in the shower say it's not as messy, which may be true on a person-to-person basis. They also often claim it saves water and time, reasoning brushing while rinsing off or waiting for conditioner to set is more efficient.
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.
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.
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 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.
Bleach and water solutions make this easy. After washing the toothbrush with a little dish detergent and warm water, soak the brush in the appropriate solution for the required amount of time.
I used the before and after disinfection counts to determined the % reduction of bacteria for each disinfection method for comparison. Trial #1 showed hydrogen peroxide and mouthwash both eliminated 100% of bacteria, hot water reduced bacteria by 71%, UV toothbrush sanitizer 31%, and salt water 16%.
In most cases, it's best to brush your teeth before breakfast. This ensures that your enamel is protected and that you don't run out of time before leaving the house for work or school. Sugar-free gum is a great way to clean your teeth and achieve fresh breath after breakfast while also supporting a healthy smile.
While brushing your teeth in the shower isn't an extremely common practice, one dental health survey has found that around 4 percent of Americans maintain this habit — or between 13 and 15 million people.