Before you go on a trip, invest in a travel toothbrush cap or a portable holder to keep the toothbrush head protected from other items in your travel bag. However, don't store the toothbrush forever like this. A toothbrush builds up bacteria even if it isn't used frequently.
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.
Avoid storing your toothbrush in a plastic ziploc bag, even while traveling. There should be at least some ventilation given, especially if the toothbrush is packed up while it is still damp. The warm and enclosed area will take longer to dry, giving bacteria a greater chance to grow.
I asked Marc Lowenberg, a dentist in New York City, to weigh in. "In order for this to be a problem, the bacteria in the bathroom would have to be airborne. Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you're scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you're safe," says Lowenberg.
The most sanitary way to store your toothbrush is to keep the toothbrush in a clean holder where airflow can dry the toothbrush. Yet, it won't be contaminated by bathroom germs.
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).
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.
If your toothbrush doesn't have a travel case, pick one up at the store or, in a pinch, secure a plastic bag around the brush head to avoid contaminating the bristles. Just remember to let it air out once you arrive at your destination.
Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries should be carried in carry-on baggage. Most other consumer devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage.
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.
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.
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.
So for a long flight, keep one travel-size toothpaste tube (less than 100 ml) together with your toothbrush in a see-through bag in your carry-on luggage. This will not only make sure that it does not get lost you can also use it whenever needed during the flight or when you arrive at your destination.
Yes, you can take toothpaste on the plane. Just make sure the container does not exceed 100 ML and that it is in a special bag with other liquids and gels. Which toothpaste is allowed in hand luggage? All toothpaste is allowed in hand luggage.
If you are storing your toothbrush on the counter, make sure its head isn't touching other toothbrush heads. This is also a great way for germs to jump between brushes. Finally, the most important tip is to rinse it off generously and replace it every three to four months.
Handles, Switches, and Buttons
The faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons in public spaces could also be harbouring more germs than your toilet seats.
Slowly add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of bleach to 2 cups (500 ml) of water. To be used on surfaces contaminated with feces, vomit, urine or blood. Slowly add ½ cup (125 ml) of bleach to 4 ½ cups (1125 ml) of water. (e.g., environmental cleaning, body fluids, etc.).
They found that keyboards can have high levels of bacteria on them and that shared keyboards tend to have more bacteria than those used by only one person. Even more disturbing, research by University of Arizona researchers also found that the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat.
Our mouths are also bacteria ridden locations. So our toothbrush picks up bacteria from our mouths which then make their way (multiplying as they go) to the holder. Damp and rarely cleaned toothbrush holders become a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
These items usually aren't in the room waiting for you when you arrive, but most hotels have toothpaste and toothbrushes on hand and will bring them to your room for free.
While you are busy observing oral hygiene, the toothbrush undergoes wear and tear. How do you know it is time to throw the old or tattered toothbrush away? Doctors and toothbrush manufacturers advise clients to change toothbrush every 12 to 16 weeks to avoid bacteria build-up.
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.
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.