In today's health-conscious world you take care of oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth frequently. However, the moist condition of your bathroom is a prime breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria transferred from your mouth or the environment to your toothbrush can thrive for significant periods of time, according to The Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute. To avoid bacteria spreading, steralize your toothbrush with an easy at-home process.
Step 1
Wash your toothbrush after use. Before and after each use you should wash your toothbrush using warm running water advises The Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute. First, wash your hands to prevent germs transferring from your hand to the toothbrush. Then simply hold the brush under the warm water to loosen food particles and leftover toothpaste. Turn the water to cold and run your thumb over the bristles of the brush, allowing the cold water to wash away any food particles or toothpaste that comes loose.
Step 2
Soak your toothbrush. Submerging the bristles of your toothbrush in antiseptic mouthwash will disinfect the toothbrush. Soak the toothbrush for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove and allow to air dry. According to The Beauty and Personal Grooming website, a wet toothbrush will encourage the growth of bacteria. Enclosing a wet toothbrush with a cap is not recommended. Instead, store the toothbrush upright in a container without a lid.
Step 3
Sanitize your toothbrush. Running your toothbrush through the dishwasher on the top rack will disinfect it according to The Maryland Children's Oral Health Institute. Avoid using the bottom rack where heat may destroy the toothbrush. The Beauty and Personal Grooming website proposes using the microwave to disinfect your toothbrush rather than the dishwasher. Microwaving the toothbrush for 15 seconds kills germs via radiation.
Tips and Warnings
- You may find it more convenient to purchase a commercial toothbrush sanitizer. Commercial toothbrush sanitizers kill up to 99.999 percent of microorganisms on your brush, according to the Dental Health Site.
Things You'll Need
- Toothbrush
- Antiseptic mouthwash
- Dishwasher or microwave
