What is the best way to disinfect a toothbrush?

The most basic go-to method of sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the bristles before and after each use. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings. It also eliminates new bacteria which may have accumulated after each use.

Should you disinfect your toothbrush?

To clean your toothbrush, you should rinse it thoroughly with water before and after using it. You can also disinfect your toothbrush with antiseptic mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, and UV light sanitizers.

How do you disinfect an electric toothbrush?

First, Johnson recommends soaking the toothbrush head for 30 minutes in this DIY sanitizer: “ Mix a half cup of water, two tablespoons of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a large bowl (make sure it’s big enough to accommodate the bubbling that results from mixing vinegar and baking soda).”

How do you clean electric toothbrush heads?

How to Clean Your Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush

1. Rinse the brush head with your brush on.
2. Decouple and rinse separately.
3. Wipe dry and tap off any excess water from both brush head and handle.
4. Let your handle dry off in an upright position.

How do I disinfect my toothbrush after being sick?

However, after you are sick, my general recommendation is to replace your toothbrush. It’s an easy fix to make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members. This makes a lot more sense than trying to clean your toothbrush by boiling it or by using hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my toothbrush?

Soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide for roughly 3-5 minutes. Then rinse out thoroughly with hot water. Same as the peroxide tip above. Soak your toothbrush in mouthwash for roughly 3-5 minutes.

Why does my toothbrush smell like poop?

Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly can make your breath smell because plaque and bacteria accumulate on and between your teeth. Food that’s not removed by flossing stays between your teeth, causing your breath to smell unpleasant.

Do UV light toothbrush sanitizers work?

Studies published in several dental journals do indicate that UV sanitizers are effective at killing microorganisms and bacteria. Unfortunately, while they might reduce the amount of these organisms off of your brush, the UV lights that are designed specifically for toothbrushes won’t eliminate all of these germs.

How do you disinfect a toothbrush with vinegar?

Vinegar Soak. Using white distilled vinegar is one of the best ways to clean a toothbrush without using specialty cleaners. Place your toothbrush head down into a cup filled with white distilled vinegar and let it soak for at least eight hours. Rinse well.

Should you cover your toothbrush in the bathroom?

The American Dental Association recommends rinsing toothbrushes with tap water after use and air drying. Covering brushes contains moisture, which could harbor more bacteria. The best way to prevent toilet water from splashing your toothbrush? Close the lid before you flush, Wahrman said.

Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean toothbrush?

Allow the head of your toothbrush to soak in small cup of antibacterial mouthwash or rubbing alcohol for a few minutes before or after brushing. Not only will your toothbrush be squeaky clean, it’ll smell minty fresh too! Just remember to rinse it before your next use.

How do I clean my toothbrush after stomach flu?

Disinfect your toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide. A recent study showed that a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution was 100% effective in killing the bacteria on a toothbrush. So, if you’re worried about it, just soak your toothbrush for twenty minutes.

How often should you clean your toothbrush?

“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.”

Should you rinse your toothbrush before 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.

How often should you change your toothbrush?

Toothbrush manufacturers and dentists recommend that you replace your toothbrush every three to four months.