Toothbrush covers are actually detrimental to the overall sanitation of your toothbrush and therefore also to your oral health. 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.
Store toothbrush upright, not lying down, either inside of a cabinet or underneath the sink in a closed cabinet. Be sure that air can fully circulate around the brush head so that it can completely air dry, you don't want the bristles to retain any moisture.
Bacteria can easily grow on toothbrushes, so it's important to store them in a clean, dry place. The best way to do this is to use a protective case in your suitcase or toiletry bag. But DO take your brush out of the case and allow it to air dry between uses wherever you're visiting.
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 way to store your toothbrush, according to another meta-analysis, is upright, in a toothbrush holder, uncovered so it can air-dry. That means, ultimately, that the best way to keep the toilet particles off your toothbrush and where it belongs is to close the lid on your toilet each time you flush.
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.
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.
While brushing your teeth in the shower isn't an extremely common practice, one dental health survey has found that around 4 percent of Americans maintain this habit — or between 13 and 15 million people. This number may also be on the rise.
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.
Because the moist shower environment lends itself to bacteria growth, the American Dental Association warns against leaving your toothbrush in the shower when you're finished.
Contrary to what some experts may tell you, storing your toothbrush in a plastic case or plastic bag is not a good idea. Germs thrive in a moist environment, so keeping your toothbrush sealed in an enclosed space only makes your toothbrush the perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
“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.”
Store Your Toothbrush in the Open
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.
Let it dry completely.
The bacteria that live on a toothbrush after you use it are considered anaerobic — meaning they will die in the presence of oxygen. So, if you let your toothbrush air dry, it will take care of most bacteria.
The bottom line is: it is appropriate to brush your teeth at the sink in a public restroom. However, be mindful and courteous as others will be using the sink area after you. Posted restroom rules may eliminate the possibility of brushing your teeth.
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.
Similarly to flossing, your dental team will also be able to tell if you don't brush your teeth often enough or even if you brush too hard. Those who don't brush the recommended two times a day will often have larger areas of tartar buildup and puffy, red gums.
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).
The reality is, couples spread bacteria in many ways, from kissing and holding hands to sharing food and drinks. While this is totally normal behaviour, the risks of spreading bacteria can be minimised by regularly washing your hands, using mouthwash, and not sharing a toothbrush.
Brushing your teeth before you go to sleep at night helps protect against plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. If you are particularly susceptible to cavities and gum disease, dentists recommend that you brush immediately after dinner, then again right before bedtime.
Step 3.)
The ADA recommends that you dry the head of a toothbrush with a clean cloth or paper towel by gently squeezing the brush. This will allow you to force out the moisture without breaking or damaging the bristles.
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.
One common way to disinfect your toothbrush is through the use of mouthwash, like Listerine. You'll want to soak your toothbrush in the solution for at least 3 to 5 minutes at a time. After the specified amount of time, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before use.