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 I take care of my toothbrush?

DO:

1. Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months (or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray).
2. Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after brushing and allow it to air dry.
3. Store your toothbrush upright so it can drain and air dry faster.
4. Allow your toothbrush to air dry completely before packing it away for a vacation.

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.

How do I get black stains off my 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 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.

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.

Do you dry off your toothbrush?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, you should always keep your toothbrush dry. If moisture stays on the brush, it can encourage bacteria growth. If you use a bacteria-ridden toothbrush to clean your teeth, you increase your risk for developing dental problems.

How do I keep my toothbrush sanitary?

The best way to store toothbrushes is in an upright fashion near a window. Let the toothbrush air dry after each use. Furthermore, do not position the toothbrush near another toothbrush. If the toothbrush is close to touching another, move them far apart to prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and so on.

Should you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

But chances are you’ve continued to leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. “In order for this to be a problem, the bacteria in the bathroom would have to be airborne. Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you’re scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you’re safe,” says Lowenberg.

How long do germs live on 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.

Can you get sick from your own germs?

As for re-exposure, that virus on the toothbrush, lip balm, mascara, sheets or towels won’t make you sick again. But if other viruses and bacteria linger on these items, a new illness can develop. Flu, staph, strep, e-coli, and yeast commonly live on toothbrushes said Dr.

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.