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. Given enough of the wrong types of bacteria, an extra germy toothbrush could even lead to diarrhea or skin infection.
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.
According to research by Dr. Maria Geisinger, professor of periodontology at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, 60% of toothbrushes left in the bathroom contain faecal matter and bacteria dangerous to human health such as Serratia, Escherichia coli, Giardia, Salmonellosis, just to name a few.
Don't let your toothbrush sit in a puddle of water on the side of the sink, remember it has to air dry, upright. Don't leave stain, food, or toothpaste in the bristles.
"Very hot water can however damage the bristles of your toothbrush in the long term, as well as the added risk of burning your mouth," he said. Another piece of Dr Marques's dental advice may sound a little strange but is apparently effective at removing plaque and toxins from between the teeth.
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.
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.
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).
Don't use a toothbrush cap!
This is alluded to above (do let your toothbrush air dry), but many people erroneously believe that a toothbrush cover will protect the bristles from unsanitary particles. The truth is that covering up damp bristles just makes them the perfect breeding ground for germy growth.
The cosmetic dentist explained to The Sun: "If you wet the toothbrush before you put the toothpaste on, you're diluting it. "Toothpaste already has the right amount of moisture. If it's wet, it makes it foam up faster and makes you spit it out sooner."
You've heard it before: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are two of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy. But do Latinos and others follow this advice? Actually, 30% of Americans do not brush their teeth twice a day, according to figures from the American Dental Association.
You might have seen a flood of Twitter chatter sparked by a tweet reading, “Do ya'll wet the toothbrush first, or put toothpaste on first?” The response online was mixed, but our answer is pretty simple: Wetting your toothbrush is more a matter of preference and doesn't significantly change the success of brushing.
Dr. Nigel Carter feels that the most effective application is to not use water at all and use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. As per Dr. Carter, the water weakens the bristles and makes them less effective in cleaning teeth.
And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.
It's mold, which likes to grow where there is standing moisture. After you clean the toothbrush container, you can help to slow down the reformation of mold by doing a more vigorous job of shaking off your toothbrush before putting it in the holder.
Scientists at the University of Arizona found that your phone is ten times dirtier than most toilet seats. Gross! Here are other items that are dirtier than a toilet seat. Another study also found that a typical high schooler's smartphone can have as many as 17,000 bacterial gene copies on it.
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.
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.
Tips for Sanitizing Toothbrushes
A few ways to clean away any lingering germs include: 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.
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.
You should always wash your face after brushing your teeth." This is especially true if you're already managing skin-care concerns and sensitive skin.
Are You Supposed to Wet Toothpaste? Wetting your toothbrush before brushing is generally a matter of personal preference. There's some debate about wetting toothpaste before brushing and its effects on efficacy, but the ADA doesn't provide official guidance.
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.
One expert, professor Damien Walmsley of the British Dental Association, said, “A dry brush will increase friction with the bristles while a wet toothbrush adds moisture and for most people, makes the experience more pleasant.