How to Keep Your Toothbrush Germ Free

Rinsing your toothbrush after each use helps keep germs at bay.

Germs in your mouth, germs from neighboring toothbrushes and germs from the bathroom can all contaminate your toothbrush. Even though no proof exists that germs transmitted from your toothbrush negatively affect your health, it's best to avoid them and to keep your toothbrush free of germs. If you place your toothbrush in a dishwasher or microwave, in an effort to combat germs, you only damage your brush. To keep your toothbrush intact and to ward off germs, proper manual cleaning and storing is required.

Things You'll Need

• Either a countertop toothbrush sanitizer or a portable, travel style toothbrush sanitizer.
• One or more toothbrushes.
• The countertop model needs an electrical outlet
• The travel style sanitizers require AA batteries

Instructions

1. Rinse your toothbrush after each use. Hold your toothbrush under running tap water to remove any debris and leftover toothpaste. If you use an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, turn on the unit and hold the head of the toothbrush under the water stream.

2. Allow your toothbrush to air-dry. Place your toothbrush upright in a toothbrush holder as it dries. Keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes because brushes can transmit germs to each other; don't allow toothbrushes to touch.

3. Avoid covering up the head of your toothbrush, because the warmth and moisture promotes bacterial growth.

4. Avoid sharing your toothbrush with other people, because they'll contaminate your brush with their germs and they may not properly clean your brush.

5. Examine your toothbrush head periodically. If the bristles appear frayed or worn, replace the brush, because it will not effectively clean your mouth and teeth. Expect to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Tips & Warnings

• As an alternative, use a commercial toothbrush sanitizer that has been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Even though manual cleansing is sufficient, a toothbrush sanitizer may help remind you to clean your toothbrush after brushing your teeth.

References

• "O" Magazine; Germ Free Toothbrushes; Naomi Barr; March 2007
• American Dental Association: Toothbrush Care, Cleaning and Replacement