How To Disinfect A Toothbrush

You use your toothbrush every day to keep your gums strong, your breath fresh, and your teeth as clean as possible. The food you eat every day produces bacteria the longer it remains in the mouth. You take a bite and chew it thoroughly, allowing the saliva to start the digestion process. Chewing your food causes small particles to be trapped between the gum line and the teeth, as well as between the teeth themselves. In this environment, bacteria are allowed to flourish. When you brush your teeth, any bacteria that are left behind may settle on toothbrush bristles and start to grow there as well. Disinfecting your toothbrush on a regular basis helps to control the growth of bacteria and keeps your mouth healthy.  

The Best Ways to Disinfect Your Toothbrush

There are different ways to effectively disinfect your toothbrush. A few of the best ways include the following:

• Soak your toothbrush bristles into a small amount of hydrogen peroxide overnight
• Boil your toothbrush for 3 minutes or slightly longer to make sure any germs are destroyed and then allow the brush head to air dry
• Place your toothbrush in the silverware basket of your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning
• Put a small amount of anti-bacterial mouthwash in a small container and soak your toothbrush for a few hours.

  Toothbrush sanitizers can also be used on a regular basis as well. In addition to changing your toothbrush every three or four months, disinfecting it will help to keep the number of germs under control. Sanitizing your toothbrush will get rid of many different types of bacteria and viruses that cause serious illnesses like influenza, strep throat,  bacterial infections.  

Keeping Your Toothbrush Clean

Using a contaminated toothbrush or sharing a toothbrush with someone else can increase your risk of serious illness several times over. While the American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every three or four months, disinfecting your toothbrush every few days will keep bacteria to a minimum. Using a toothbrush that is properly cleaned and disinfected reduces your risk of illness and helps to boost your immune system. When your body doesn’t have to worry about fighting infections that start in the mouth, it can focus on keeping the body healthy in other ways.   Disinfecting your toothbrush reduces the risk of periodontal disease and protects your teeth from tooth decay and other oral health problems. Brushing and flossing your teeth every day and using an ADA approved mouthwash is only the beginning. You should also eat a healthy diet and get adequate amounts of rest. Your mouth is the gateway to the interior of the body. Disinfecting your toothbrush by boiling or through the use of hydrogen peroxide or a mouthwash keeps the number of bacteria in the mouth low and your chance for good health high.