Keep your toothbrush holder away from the toilet and sink. Did you know that flushing the toilet can create an aerosol effect, spraying germs through the air? Shutting the toilet lid can help, but keeping toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible can reduce the amount of bacteria that may land on them.
Covering or storing your toothbrush in containers is not recommended by the American Dental Association, because humid environments breed bacteria. The bathroom is one of the most germ-infested rooms in any house, but leaving a toothbrush in a damp shower makes your brush (and mouth) a target for unwanted microbes.
Bacteria thrive in moist environments and a toothbrush cover provides just that. While it may keep other things out, it also locks everything else in. Your brush needs to thoroughly dry between uses so that new bacteria do not grow and multiply on the surface of it.
Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.
Every time you flush your toilet, a cloud of water vapor deposits microscopic poo particles on everything in your bathroom -- including your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is gross. More than likely it's covered in bacteria, blood and saliva.
A recent study by the University of Manchester showed that toothbrushes can accumulate more than 10 million bacteria, which is more than the bacteria found in a toilet seat (50 per square inch) or in a public lavatory floor (2 million per square inch).
Viruses and bacteria from an infected person's mouth can live for weeks on a toothbrush surface, and continue to cause illness, says Cooper, a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.
You should never store your brush in a closed or airtight container, as bacteria love moisture and will thrive in this environment. Instead, place the brush in a cup or holder in an upright position to ensure that it dries off thoroughly. Avoid putting it in a drawer or cabinet, as well.
Swirling the toothbrush head in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. Dunking the bristles into a cup of water that has two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into it. Soaking the toothbrush in vinegar overnight once a week.
Storing Your Toothbrush in the Right Place
If your bedroom is well-ventilated and dry, it is the best spot for your toothbrush. To ensure the health of your teeth and gums, you also need to make sure your toothbrush is not exposed to bad bacteria.
So long as you have access to a sink, it's a perfect time to brush. Keep it discreet: Some people find it a little odd when they see someone brushing their teeth in a public restroom, so be mindful or others. If needed, keep it shorter than normal.
In summary, it's never wise to share toothbrushes, as they can harbour many nasty particles and bacteria. For that very reason, you should also regularly replace your own toothbrush to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and hygienic.
You may or may not remember a very interesting interview with actress Jennifer Aniston that was published back in 2008, in which the actress claimed to be eco-friendly because she limited her showers to three minutes and during that time also brushed her teeth. That's right. She brushes her teeth in the shower.
Hair that's wet and filled with moisture is more fragile than hair that's dry, which can result in snapping when brushed. As such, it's recommended to brush hair in a dry state (guide-to-detangling-curls). This may mean allowing your hair to air-dry post-shower before beginning to comb through hair strands.
In most cases, it's best to brush your teeth before breakfast. This ensures that your enamel is protected and that you don't run out of time before leaving the house for work or school. Sugar-free gum is a great way to clean your teeth and achieve fresh breath after breakfast while also supporting a healthy smile.
Close to the Toilet
In fact, it's best to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. If your bathroom is small and storage is limited, DO put the toilet sit down before flushing and DO put a cover on your toothbrush when it's dry, between uses. DO disinfect your toothbrush regularly.
Find a good place away from the toilet and as far away from splashing water as you can. You can invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or a holder with a lid (as long as there is enough airflow to dry the toothbrush!) or use the medicine cabinet.
The best solution is to keep your toothbrush in a corner of your bathroom away from the sink & toilet. If you're strapped for space, you can get a wall-mounted toothbrush holder to place high enough to avoid any splashing from the sink.
You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don't have mouthwash, you can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed into 1 cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.
“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”
If bacteria gets trapped there, oxygen cannot get in, and anerobic bacteria can grow," he explains. This is the same bacteria that causes bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Boil your toothbrush for about 3 minutes. Although it is hard on your toothbrush, boiling water will most germs. A toothbrush can be put into the silverware compartment of the dishwasher to be sanitized. Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap.
Wetting before softens toothbrush bristles and rinses off debris. Wetting after ensures the toothpaste melts into your toothbrush so it doesn't roll off. Not wetting your toothbrush means there aren't extra steps between applying toothpaste and brushing.