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.

How do I keep my toothbrush clean?

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?

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.

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.

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 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.

Can you keep your toothbrush in your bedroom?

Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.

Why you should not keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you’re scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you’re safe,” says Lowenberg. If bacteria gets trapped there, oxygen cannot get in, and anerobic bacteria can grow,” he explains. This is the same bacteria that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

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.

How do you deep clean an electric toothbrush?

How to Clean an Electric Toothbrush Head. Use a Bleach Solution. Each month, soak your toothbrush head in bleach and water (10 parts water to 1 part bleach) for one hour. Once it is finished soaking, be sure to rinse your toothbrush head thoroughly to get rid of excess bleach.

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.

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.

Should you use a new toothbrush after being sick?

Always replace your toothbrush after a cold or other illness to prevent contamination. If you or someone else in your family is sick, that person should use a different tube of toothpaste (travel size, for example), to prevent spreading germs to other toothbrushes.

Should I throw out my toothbrush after Covid?

Replacing Your Toothbrush: You should always be swapping out your toothbrush or brush head every three months. However, if you’ve been sick you’ll want to throw out your brush, even if it’s not that time yet.