Your hands can contain germs that might transfer to your toothbrush if you don’t wash them.
You don’t need to use soap or mouthwash to clean your toothbrush. Just use water. Don’t dry your toothbrush on a towel because the towel may contain germs. Air drying is the best option.
It’s okay if your toothbrush is still a bit damp after you shake it.
Keep extra toothbrushes in your home in case someone needs to borrow one. That way you can provide them their own toothbrush instead of sharing yours.
Check out the scum on the bottom of your toothbrush holder. This is what flows away from your toothbrush.
If you’re using a holder made for toothbrushes, you probably won’t have to worry about this. Most toothbrush holders are designed to angle the toothbrushes away from each other.
It also helps to put the toilet seat cover down before you flush.
Remove the lid if your toothbrush holder has one. If your toothbrush holder is installed on the wall, wipe it down with a disinfectant cloth. Follow the directions on the disinfectant container to make sure you leave the solution on the toothbrush holder long enough to sanitize it. Then, wipe the holder clean with a wet cloth and dry it with a clean cloth before putting your toothbrush back in it.
Remove the lid if your toothbrush holder has one. If your toothbrush holder is installed on the wall, wipe it down with a disinfectant cloth. Follow the directions on the disinfectant container to make sure you leave the solution on the toothbrush holder long enough to sanitize it. Then, wipe the holder clean with a wet cloth and dry it with a clean cloth before putting your toothbrush back in it.
It’s okay to put your toothbrush in a protective case for travel. However, wash the case with soap and warm water once you return home. Then, dry it with a clean cloth.
There’s really no reason to soak your toothbrush, and the CDC warns you might accidentally spread germs while soaking a toothbrush. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Always change out the hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash after every soak, and don’t soak more than 1 toothbrush in the same solution. You might see tips online about microwaving your toothbrush or putting it in a dishwasher. The ADA recommends against this, as the heat can damage your toothbrush. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Dental Association World’s largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health Go to source
You might use a toothbrush sanitizer if you have a weakened immune system and tend to get sick more often.
For instance, you might change out your toothbrush the first day of January, April, July, and October. If you have an electric toothbrush, you just need to replace the head.
For instance, get a new toothbrush immediately after recovering from a cold or the flu.
