How to keep your toothbrush clean and germ free

This is quite unpleasant to think about, but it could also be harmful to your health. If you find that you often get sore throats, chest infections, stomach bugs or other illnesses, you might be surprised to learn that your toothbrush habits could be to blame.

Where does the bacteria come from?

The bacteria that builds up and multiplies on your toothbrush can come from lots of different places. The most obvious place is your own mouth. The brush is designed to remove bacteria from your mouth, so it follows that this would end up staying on your brush if you don’t take steps to remove it.

Your brush can also catch bacteria from the air in your bathroom. Leaving your toothbrush exposed on a shelf will allow it to catch any airborne bacteria. Your bathroom will be a warm and moist place, which offers the ideal conditions for bacteria to multiply.

Thankfully, there are ways you can care for your toothbrush so that you can better care for your teeth. If you want to keep your toothbrush free of germs and bacteria, follow these tips:

Add mouthwash to your routine

To start with, include mouthwash in the process of cleaning teeth. An efficient mouthwash can eliminate the germs that dwell in your mouth and prevent them ending up on your toothbrush. So, don’t forget to gargle and spit mouthwash before you brush your teeth. Some mouthwashes claim 99% efficiency.

Storing your toothbrush

Once you are done brushing, you must rinse it thoroughly. You should also examine the toothbrush because it is not unusual for debris to get stuck in the brushes. After brushing and rinsing your teeth, give your toothbrush a good rinse under hot running water. Shake out any excess water before storing the toothbrush upright in a toothbrush holder.

Make sure family toothbrushes don't touch each other, as this can lead to cross-contamination. When cleaning your bathroom, make sure you also clean your toothbrush holder. These containers might be convenient, but they are an ideal spot for bacteria procreation.

Rather than storing your toothbrush in the open, try placing it in a cabinet. This will limit exposure to air that is circulating in your bathroom. The worst place to store your toothbrush would be out in the open or near the toilet.

Did you know that the bathroom is usually filled with bacteria and even with particles of faeces? They are freely circulating in the air and looking for a spot where they can stick. If you leave your toothbrush in the bathroom there is a great chance for some of these germs and even faeces particles to end up on the toothbrush. This is why some people like to cover the head of their toothbrush with a cover and then store it in a toiletry bag.

Replacing your toothbrush

Finally, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush regularly. According to experts, people need to buy a new toothbrush every three months, or when the bristles are worn down, whichever is sooner. If you find that you are wearing down your toothbrushes very quickly, try choosing one with firmer bristles.

You should also consider replacing your toothbrush after a period of illness. If you have had a sore throat, stomach bug, cold or flu, consider replacing your toothbrush so that you aren’t reintroducing bacteria from your illness into your body.

Tips for travelling

When you are travelling, your daily routine might be turned on its head. To help keep your toothbrush protected while out and about, invest in a travel toothbrush holder. This will cover the head so that you can place it down on sinks and other surfaces without worrying about germs. It will also allow you to easily place this in your toiletry bag without worrying about it touching other items or crushing the bristles.

Final thoughts on toothbrush hygiene

If you follow these tips, you should be able to enjoy a hygienically clean toothbrush that does more good than harm. Like any cleaning implement, you need to make sure you clean it after use, and replace it regularly to avoid bacteria build up. For more advice about dental hygiene, please contact us now.