Why Is It Necessary to Disinfect Your Toothbrush?
The primary function of a toothbrush is to remove food debris accumulated in the mouth after meals. By doing so after every meal, we limit the spread of bacteria and other germs that form biofilm on teeth and gums.
But what if the toothbrush itself is dirty? Many of us don’t even realize it. Studies have found that toothbrush heads can be contaminated with various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If these germs are present in our surroundings, they can easily transfer to our mouths, posing a significant risk.
That’s why it’s important to keep your toothbrush in optimal condition for good oral health and to avoid cross-contamination during use.
How to Clean Your Toothbrush Daily
After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to clean your toothbrush to remove any food particles and oral bacteria left on the bristles. To do this, hold the brush under running tap water and rub the bristles with your thumb to soften them.
Shake off the excess water and check to make sure there’s no toothpaste residue or visible dirt before storing it in a toothbrush holder or cup.
How and When to Disinfect Your Toothbrush
In addition to cleaning it after each use, you should periodically disinfect your toothbrush to ensure it’s thoroughly sanitized. Bacteria and other pathogens aren’t visible to the naked eye, so if you don’t want them entering your mouth while brushing, it’s best to remove them as effectively as possible.
There are several ways to disinfect a toothbrush at home. One of the simplest is to soak it in boiling water. Heat the water, pour it into a glass, and place the toothbrush in it for one to two minutes.
However, boiling water can damage the bristles and even warp the handle. If you’d like to avoid that, a practical alternative is to use a disinfecting solution—such as hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash. Simply soak the toothbrush for a few minutes once a week, then rinse thoroughly with cold water before using it again.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, new recommendations emerged for daily toothbrush disinfection. One of the most effective compounds for eliminating viruses and bacteria is cetylpyridinium chloride, found in certain mouthwashes and rinses.
Research has shown that toothbrushes can transmit germs between people living in the same household, with coronaviruses playing a key role. To prevent this, disinfect your toothbrush with a cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash. Pour some into a glass, immerse the toothbrush head completely, soak for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated spot, away from potential contamination sources.
How to Clean and Disinfect an Electric Toothbrush
Electric toothbrushes require a slightly different cleaning and disinfecting routine than manual ones. While the brush head and bristles can be cleaned using the same methods mentioned above, the handle needs to be cleaned separately.
Dampen a cloth with water or soapy water and wipe the base thoroughly. Repeat this process weekly or every two weeks to keep your electric toothbrush clean and extend its lifespan.
How to Store Your Toothbrush
Once your toothbrush is clean and disinfected, proper storage is essential. The first step is always drying it, as moisture encourages bacteria and fungus to grow between the bristles.
Shake the toothbrush vigorously by the handle to remove as much water as possible. Then store it upright, allowing water to drain downward.
Keep your toothbrush as far from the toilet as possible to prevent contamination. Equally important, store each family member’s toothbrush separately to avoid cross-contamination.
When to Replace Your Toothbrush
With daily use, toothbrushes wear out and need to be replaced. Experts recommend changing a manual toothbrush every 3–4 months and replacing electric toothbrush heads every 2–3 months at the latest.
If you notice the bristles are frayed or deformed, replace the toothbrush immediately. Also, if you’ve had a contagious respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, discard your toothbrush as soon as you recover to avoid reintroducing the germs into your system.
Resources：https://www.kin.es/zh/como-desinfectar-cepillo-de-dientes/
