How to Keep a Toothbrush Clean

Keeping your toothbrush clean is an essential part of good oral hygiene. Follow these tips to use regular household items to ensure your toothbrush's proper sterilization. A clean toothbrush means bacteria-free bristles.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Clean your hands with soap and water before and after touching your toothbrush.

2. Wash your toothbrush after every use. Use your thumb to press against the bristles and allow the water to wash away food particles for at least 10 seconds.

3. Disinfect your toothbrush. Allow the toothbrush to soak in some antibacterial mouthwash that contains alcohol for 10 minutes after you brush. Soak the toothbrush in some vinegar every 2 weeks to kill remaining germs.

4. Store the toothbrush in a container that allows it to stand upright and exposes its bristles to air. Letting the toothbrush air dry keeps it mold-free. Consider buying two or three toothbrushes and rotating them so that each toothbrush will have at least 24 hours to dry out before you use it again.

5. Invest in a UV toothbrush cleaner. The light from the cleaner kills germs so that you don't have to.

6. Replace your toothbrush at the first signs of bent bristles. Buy new toothbrushes when you fall ill to avoid making yourself sick again. Otherwise, get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace children's toothbrushes every 2 to 3 months.
• Mix baking soda and water and soak the toothbrush in that solution if you don't have mouthwash.
• Soak your toothbrush in a bit of hydrogen peroxide daily if you don't have vinegar on hand.
• Don't share toothbrushes or allow someone else's toothbrush to touch yours.
• Avoid purchasing closed toothbrush protectors. These protectors keep the toothbrush bristles moist and create a breeding ground for microorganisms.
• Avoid placing your toothbrush in a dishwasher, as you may damage it.

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[venturi]

on 3/20/2008 The easiest and cheapst way to clean the tooth brush is to soad it overnight in common household bleach (sodium hypochlorite), the rinse it clean and air dry. I used this method for cleaning my Sonicare toothbrush from getting moldy, and to rid of bacteria.