This is the most common mistake that we all make without even realising it! At home, we all keep our toothbrushes in one place—with their heads touching together. This just leads to a wider spread of bacteria. The humid environment there, also propagated by your wet toothbrush, can allow pathogens to thrive. In a closed space your toothbrush cannot completely dry, which also poses a threat. Not washing your toothbrush cap daily basically allows bacteria that are on there to transfer to the bristles.
If you want to sanitize it, there are gadgets and solutions for that. And they're great at cleaning your toothbrush. Sterilizing or disinfecting, on the other hand, does eliminate all bacteria on your brush. However, according to the American Dental Association ADA , microbial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide hasn't been found to disinfect your toothbrush effectively. The same goes for a dishwasher or microwave.
And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.
We've learned that completely sterilizing your toothbrush can be difficult. And sanitizing, while feasible, is still somewhat challenging. But basic care for your toothbrush is very achievable. Some of these tips from the ADA you may already be doing regularly, and some you may be able to integrate into your toothbrush storage routine. Similar to yogurt and your mouth, some bacteria are okay. In fact, the ADA has found that your toothbrush bacteria has not been proven to harm your oral health.
So what exactly is the whole relationship between you and bacteria? Glad you asked. Here are a few things to know:. You now know not to use a cover on your toothbrush.
But if you're undergoing a systemic disease, the flu, chemotherapy, or radiation and you're more prone to infections, additional measures to curb any bacteria exposure is recommended. Those additional measures include:. Sharing brushes leads to a spread of harmful foreign bacteria and viruses and can spread illness or even tooth decay from one family member to the next! Also remember to rinse your brush thoroughly with water after each use and clear away any stuck debris to help keep it clean, clear, and free of harmful substances.
Are you ready to improve your oral health? Come visit our office in Plainfield to get the best in preventative and restorative care. Proper Toothbrush Care Keeping your toothbrush clean should be a top priority in your oral health routine. Toothbrush covers are small devices, often made of plastic, that fit over the head of the toothbrush. Sometimes, you may choose to use a toothbrush cover, a larger device that can cover the entire toothbrush, including the bristles.
You may use something like a toothbrush cover to keep your toothbrush away from damage. Travel is an excellent reason to use a toothbrush cover. Keeping a toothbrush in a travel bag puts the bristles at risk of damage or becoming dirty. Putting a toothbrush cover over the bristles can help them stay in better shape and prevent them from getting covered in dirt from other parts of your bag.
Do not put a wet toothbrush into a cover, even if you just rinsed the bristles to remove any dirt. If your toothbrush is worn out, you may consider buying a new toothbrush instead and opening the package when you reach your destination. A study published by NSF International, the Household Germ Study , found that microorganisms thrived in certain environments, and certain places or items were more likely to be covered in potentially dangerous bacteria or viruses than others.
Kitchen sinks, sponges, dish rags, bathroom faucet handles, and toilets were probably unsurprising places to find germs, but many people were shocked by the news that their toothbrush holders could harbor grime. This includes holders like toothbrush covers. They might not only create a humid environment for bacteria to grow in, but they can also trap bacteria rather than removing them during the drying process. This surprising revelation led many people to decide that they needed to store their toothbrushes differently, particularly if they were at risk of the toothbrush being near the toilet.
While it is important to keep your toothbrush away from your toilet, even in a small bathroom, locking your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet, in a toothbrush holder, or even in just a toothbrush cover that goes over the bristles means you risk your toothbrush staying in an environment without enough airflow to properly dry the bristles, which increases the risk of bacteria that can make you sick.
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