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.

Are you supposed to wash your toothbrush?

Wash it. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse with tap water to remove debris. If you have a systemic illness or immune disorder, you may want to soak it in antibacterial mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher, Cooper says.

How do you clean a toothbrush head?

1. Use your mouthwash on your bristles. The same rinse you use to keep your mouth extra clean can be used to disinfect your brush after using it! 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.

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 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.

How can I clean my toothbrush naturally?

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.

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.

What happens if you put someone’s toothbrush in the toilet?

“As you flush the toilet it, you expose your toothbrush to germs from the fecal matter.” MythBusters found toothbrushes sitting outside a bathroom can be speckled with fecal matter, too. In fact, toothbrushes right out of the box can harbor bacteria because they aren’t sold in sterile packaging.

How do I keep my toothbrush from smelling?

A toothbrush cap will keep the germs in instead of preventing them, which in turn could make the bristles smell similar to a dirty dishrag or towel from the bacteria. Additionally, you should try and keep two different toothbrushes separated and not touching if they are in the same location.

How do I get black stains off 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.

Should I wash my toothbrush with soap?

First, it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds whenever you’ll be touching your toothbrush. Your hands are the main vehicles of transmission for bacteria and viruses, so washing your hands before and after brushing will help stop the spread of germs to and from your bristles.

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 long can bacteria live on a toothbrush?

Even if the virus were still hanging out on your toothbrush after you recovered—colds and flus can survive there in an infective state for anywhere from a few hours to three days —those antibodies should keep you from contracting the same illness twice.

What happens if you accidentally use someone else’s toothbrush?

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.

What to do if you drop your toothbrush on the floor?

If you accidentally drop your brush on the floor, definitely clean it this way right away. It’s also important to rinse the brush with tap water well after brushing. You can also use some antibacterial soap to clean it or pop it in the dishwasher for a good cleaning.