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.
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.
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.
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.
According to research by Dr. Maria Geisinger, professor of periodontology at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, 60% of toothbrushes left in the bathroom contain faecal matter and bacteria dangerous to human health such as Serratia, Escherichia coli, Giardia, Salmonellosis, just to name a few.
A recent study by the University of Manchester showed that toothbrushes can accumulate more than 10 million bacteria, which is more than the bacteria found in a toilet seat (50 per square inch) or in a public lavatory floor (2 million per square inch).
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.
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.
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.
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.
“A great place to start is a toothbrush. It's harmless enough, doesn't take up that much space and well, let's face it, benefits both people!” says Lee. Lee also suggests waiting until you're seeing each other regularly before you start moving any “permanent feeling” items in like clothes.
“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”
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.
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.
Simply wrap a paper towel around your finger, place a dollop of toothpaste on it, wet it, and start cleaning. It's best to start with a little toothpaste and add more if needed. Don't forget about the backs of teeth, chewing surfaces, or tongue. When you're finished, rinse well.
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.
If you do find that you've accidentally used another person's toothbrush, don't panic! Wash your mouth out with mouthwash (or water if mouthwash isn't available) to help get rid of any bacteria you might have picked up.
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.
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.
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.
Did you know that 4 percent of Americans brush their teeth in the shower? 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.
Scientists at the University of Arizona found that your phone is ten times dirtier than most toilet seats. Gross! Here are other items that are dirtier than a toilet seat. Another study also found that a typical high schooler's smartphone can have as many as 17,000 bacterial gene copies on it.