Our mouth hosts around 1.2 million germs. It’s no surprise that these bacteria can collect on your toothbrush. Not only that, but bacteria present in your toilet can also hop onto your toothbrush. While researchers have found no evidence that these germs can make you sick, you still don’t want such lingering bacteria on your toothbrush. Therefore, it is important to keep your toothbrush clean and maintain good oral hygiene. After all, your toothbrush is the first line of defense for your oral health.
Here are 5 tips that can effectively help clean your toothbrush.
1. Wash your hands whenever you touch your toothbrush
First, you should wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water whenever you touch your brush. This is because your hands can transmit bacteria and viruses to your toothbrush. By washing your hands before and after brushing your teeth, you will prevent the transmission of germs. Therefore, wash your hands for at least 30 seconds whenever you touch your toothbrush.
2. Rinse your toothbrush properly after using it
The second tip is to rinse your toothbrush properly every time you use it. This way, you will remove any remaining plaque, toothpaste, and food debris. Once you are done rinsing, store the brush upright and let it air-dry. Most bacteria that live on your brush are anaerobic. This means that they die in the presence of oxygen. Also, never store multiple toothbrushes in one place to avoid further spreading of germs.
3. Disinfect your toothbrush for extra precaution
If you drop your brush on the floor or see visible dirt on it, you may disinfect your toothbrush to eliminate germs. For this purpose, you can use hydrogen peroxide – an effective disinfectant that can destroy germs cells and deactivate many microorganisms. You can also use an antiseptic mouthwash that contains alcohol, eucalyptol, menthol, and other active ingredients to kill bacteria. Other natural ingredients that you can use to disinfect a toothbrush are vinegar and baking soda.
4. Store your toothbrush properly while traveling
Store your toothbrush properly to keep it germ-free as you travel. Keep it air-dry as long as possible until you store it in a travel case. Before placing your toothbrush in the case, make sure to rinse the case in hot water and soak it in antibacterial mouthwash for 10 minutes. Once you are done cleaning your brush and the case, make sure to air-dry them before storage.
5. Know when to replace your toothbrush
According to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), you should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or before if its bristles are worn out. This is because frayed bristled toothbrushes lose their efficacy in removing plaque, bacteria, and food debris. Suppose you follow the standard recommendation of teeth brushing, which is brushing twice a day for 2 minutes. In that case, your brush will most likely be worn out before the duration. You should also replace your toothbrush after being sick with a common cold or flu. This can help prevent harmful bacteria transmission or reinfection.
For more information, please contact the cheap dentist in Pasadena, Texas.
Sophie Taylor is an avid reader and writer. She loves to write about different topics – ranging from business development to crafting tips, healthcare and home development.
