People have tried many different ways to clean their toothbrushes over the years. Others put it in the dishwasher. Some people soak the head in mouthwash or cleaner that fizzs. Some people freeze it, boil it, or buy an expensive UV toothbrush sanitizer.
But are these really the best ways to clean a toothbrush? And do any of these methods work?
Dentist Karyn Kahn, DDS, says, “In the end, none of that is necessary.” Keep reading to find out what really works to keep your brush in good condition.
How to keep your toothbrush clean
It’s not as hard as you might think to clean a toothbrush. In fact, you don’t need to buy any fancy toiletries or bathroom accessories.
Use hot water
Don’t use mouthwash, denture cleaner, or UV lights to clean your toothbrush. Dr. Kahn says, “Just rinse your toothbrush with good, hot water.” If you see bits of toothpaste or food on your toothbrush, you should also give it a good rinse to get rid of them.
You use hot water because your mouth has a natural flora of bacteria that is important for a healthy environment. It’s not necessary to try to get rid of all of the bacteria on your toothbrush.
How to clean your toothbrush and keep it free of germs.
You don’t want your toothbrush to be free of bacteria, believe it or not. “Opportunistic microorganisms like yeast and fungi take over if you don’t have that bacteria,” says Dr. Kahn. “You want a certain amount of natural bacteria in your mouth, but not around your teeth or gums.”
In its recommendation about how to care for a toothbrush, the American Dental Association (ADA) points to studies that show normal bacteria on a toothbrush has no effect on oral health.
But Dr. Kahn does have some tips on how to keep a toothbrush clean and working well.
- Let it dry out all the way. The bacteria that live on your toothbrush after you use it are anaerobic, which means they can’t live in oxygen. So, letting your toothbrush dry in the air will kill most bacteria.
- How to store your toothbrush. Don’t put your toothbrush in a dirty cup, drawer, or travel case. Instead, put it in an open-air holder. If you keep your toothbrush in these places, mould or bacteria that don’t belong in your mouth can grow and cause mouth diseases like gingivitis. The ADA also says that you shouldn’t cover your toothbrush often, because it could trap bacteria.
- If you get sick, you should get a new toothbrush. If you are sick or have a yeast, fungus, or virus infection in your mouth, you must throw away your toothbrush. Change your brush at the beginning and end of your treatment. “However, after you’ve been sick, I usually tell people to get a new toothbrush,” she says. It’s easy to make sure that any leftover bacteria won’t cause another infection or spread to family members. This makes a lot more sense than trying to clean your toothbrush by boiling it, using hydrogen peroxide, or vinegar. “
- Don’t use the same toothbrush. Your mouth needs its own healthy bacteria, but it’s not a good idea to bring in bacteria from somewhere else. “You should never share a toothbrush, especially with your kids, who are still building up their normal flora,” says Dr. Kahn. Also, don’t put different brushes, like those of different family members, in the same holder or drawer. It would be best for them not to talk to each other.
- Change it. Instead of trying to clean your toothbrush, make it a habit to throw it away every few months. It should be clean and straight-looking. Keep an eye out for discoloration, buildup, or bristles that are tangled. If you see any of this on your toothbrush, it’s time to get a new one. How often you should replace your toothbrush depends on the company that made it. Dr. Kahn says, “Keep it simple and follow the ADA rules.” “Every three to four months, get a new one. If the bristles are frayed, you should get a new one sooner.
If you are ever unsure about how well your toothbrush is working, a good rule of thumb is to get a new one. Some experts even say that you should have two toothbrushes and switch between them while the other one dries.