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 disinfect an electric toothbrush?

Soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash is an easy and effective way to get it clean. Simply fill a cup with mouthwash and submerge your toothbrush in the solution, head down. Allow it to soak for at least four hours and rinse the brush thoroughly before using.

How do you clean a toothbrush after dropping it?

Clean your brush thoroughly Make sure you rinse your brush thoroughly after each use. And occasionally soak it in mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide, especially if you’ve dropped it on the floor. “I occasionally put mine through the dishwasher,” said a spokesman for the American Dental Association.

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.

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 you disinfect a toothbrush head?

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.

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.

Can I clean my toothbrush with soap and water?

Keep your toothbrush safe while traveling You can also clean your travel case by rinsing it in hot water to loosen any dirt, and washing it with soap or soaking in antibacterial mouthwash for 10 to 15 minutes, just as you would with your toothbrush.

Is it safe to keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

With that said, it’s best not to keep your toothbrush really close to your toilet. That’s not because it poses a serious threat to your health, but because it’s honestly kind of gross. While that’s not a pleasant idea, it’s no big deal when it comes to your health, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

How do I protect my toothbrush from bacteria?

Toothbrush Storage Tips Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it. Let your toothbrush dry thoroughly between brushings. Don’t use toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria. Keep your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.