How to Clean a Toothbrush of Bacteria

Toothbrushes accumulate a surprising amount of bacteria.

Many people are on the run and don't think twice about giving their toothbrushes a quick swipe under the tap before plunking it back into its holder, but the moist environment of a bathroom is a haven for many different types of bacteria. Keeping your family's toothbrushes sanitized may help prevent the spread of germs that lead to flu and other illnesses. The extra care will not take a great deal of time and may prove well worth the additional effort come cold and flu season.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Toothbrush
• Mouthwash
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Effervescent denture cleaner

Instructions

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after you handle your toothbrush. This helps reduce any cross contamination of bacteria from your hands.

2. Hold your toothbrush under hot running water to soften the bristles and loosen debris. Then, switch to cold water while vigorously rubbing the bristles with your thumb to rinse away anything that is left, and to firm up the bristles.

3. Soak toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate germs. Swish the toothbrush around in the liquid for 30 seconds. The alcohol will destroy most of the microorganisms.

4. Dissolve 2 tsp. baking soda into 1 cup of warm water. Soak your toothbrush in the solution overnight.

5. Store your toothbrush in 3 percent hydrogen peroxide for a continuous disinfectant and replace the liquid daily, making sure the bristles are covered with the solution. Alternatively, place 1 tsp. peroxide in 1 cup of water and stir your toothbrush in it for a quick rinse.

6. Dissolve one tablet of denture cleaner in warm water and soak your toothbrush in it. The effervescence will remove debris from the bristles, and the enzymes in the denture cleaner will help break down the food proteins, providing another quick solution for a sanitary toothbrush.

Tips & Warnings

• Soak your toothbrush in a solution of white vinegar once or twice a week to eliminate bacteria.

• Purchase a new toothbrush every three months; sooner, if the bristles appear bent and frayed.

• When cleaning the bathroom, don't forget the toothbrush holder. Disinfecting wipes are good for this task.

• Discard any toothbrushes that come into contact with infectious germs, such as when a member of the household has the flu.

• Use of a toothpaste pump dispenser can minimize the sharing of germs.

• Place your toothbrush in the freezer overnight or pop it into the microwave for 10 seconds for alternative methods of sanitation.

• Toothbrushes do not come factory sealed under sterile conditions, so germs may be present before the new toothbrush package is opened.

• Never place a cap on your toothbrush after using it. The dampness in an enclosed space is conducive to the growth of bacteria.

• The human mouth and throat is home to millions of bacteria.

• Store your toothbrush away from the toilet to minimize the spread of airborne germs. Always flush the toilet with the lid closed.

• Never share toothbrushes.

• Disinfecting toothbrushes in a dishwasher may damage them.

References

• DentalHealthSite.com: How to Sanitize Your Toothbrush
• The Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute: A Clean Toothbrush May Help Protect You From The Flu
• Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute: Project Clean Toothbrush: Important Tips to Prevent the Spread of Flu Germs
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• National Dental Association: A Clean Toothbrush May Help Protect You From The Flu
• Library of Congress: Invention of the Toothbrush