How can I disinfect my toothbrush?

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 I disinfect my toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide?

Rinse the bristles thoroughly in water after brushing. Place some antiseptic mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide into a small cup, enough to cover the toothbrush. Soak for about 15 minutes — any longer risks damaging the bristles. Rinse thoroughly with water before using again.

How do you deep clean 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.

Does boiling a toothbrush sanitizer it?

Place your toothbrush in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes. Boiling kills most germs.

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.

Is it OK to rinse your mouth with rubbing alcohol?

A solution needs to be at least 60% alcohol in order to properly disinfect and kill viruses, but please, do NOT use rubbing alcohol as a mouthwash, as it can harm the soft tissues of the mouth, throat, and make someone extremely sick if ingested.

Does hydrogen peroxide sterilize things?

One of the most economical and safe ways to disinfect is with hydrogen peroxide. It offers a natural way to sanitize your home without using dangerous and toxic chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide has antibacterial and antiviral qualities and works better than white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and acetic acid.

Can Thrush live on your toothbrush?

A fungal infection like thrush can also be stored on a toothbrush. If you experience this problem, change your toothbrush frequently while being treated and then break open a new one when your treatment is done.

Do 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.

Can you get sick again from your toothbrush?

A: Yes. The bacteria that live on a toothbrush after you use it are considered anaerobic — meaning that they will die in the presence of oxygen. So, in general, if you let your toothbrush air dry, it will take care of most bacteria.

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.

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 often should you replace 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 dry your toothbrush after use?

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.

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.