Buzz
According to the American Dental Association, it's best to store your toothbrush in an upright position and leave it uncovered.
Photodisc/ThinkstockWhile most people understand that consistent tooth-brushing is essential for maintaining oral health, many may not realize that the toothbrush itself requires regular cleaning to stay hygienic.
Toothbrushes are designed to eliminate plaque and food debris from teeth, but they inevitably accumulate bacteria, saliva, blood, and residual toothpaste over time. The American Dental Association advises replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, even if it's been disinfected. However, this may not always prevent contamination. Additionally, since toothbrushes aren't sold in sterile packaging, they can harbor bacteria straight from the packaging [sources: ADA, CDC].
Although using a "dirty" toothbrush might seem ineffective and unhygienic, there is currently no public research proving that it leads to recontamination of the mouth, oral infections, or other health issues. However, individuals with weakened immune systems are advised to take extra steps to ensure their toothbrushes remain clean. For those individuals, as well as anyone uncomfortable with the idea of using an unclean brush, there are numerous methods available for disinfecting, sanitizing, and decontaminating toothbrushes [source: CDC].
Ultraviolet (UV) light is a popular method for disinfecting toothbrushes. Typically, the brush head is placed in a small plastic container, where UV light is directed at it for 6 to 8 minutes before and after brushing. Another option is effervescent disinfecting tablets, which, when combined with water, create bubbles that sanitize the toothbrush during a 10-minute soak.
Specialized products aren't always necessary for disinfecting a toothbrush. Soaking it in antiseptic mouthwash, freezing or boiling it, or even running it through a dishwasher are all effective ways to clean a toothbrush without purchasing additional items [source: WorlDental].
Before you begin boiling water or freezing your toothbrush, continue reading to learn important details about toothbrush disinfection.
Tips for Cleaning and Disinfecting a Toothbrush
Although the methods mentioned earlier are widely accepted for disinfecting toothbrushes, some health experts argue that disinfection is unnecessary and potentially harmful. The human body is naturally equipped to handle exposure to harmful microbes through skin, mucous membranes, and antibodies. Both the American Dental Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that disinfecting toothbrushes isn't essential. In fact, it might cause cross-contamination if multiple individuals use the same disinfectant solution repeatedly. Moreover, using dishwashers, microwaves, or UV devices can damage the bristles, reducing the toothbrush's effectiveness [sources: ADA, CDC].
Maintaining a clean toothbrush without disinfection is entirely possible by following these simple steps [sources: ADA, CDC]:
- Rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water after brushing.
- Store the brush upright to allow it to air-dry between uses. If multiple brushes are stored together, ensure they don't touch each other.
- Avoid storing toothbrushes in closed cabinets or drawers, as dark, damp environments promote bacterial growth.
- Inspect your toothbrush for wear and tear, and replace it more often than every three to four months if necessary. Children's toothbrushes typically require more frequent replacement than adult ones.
When purchasing toothbrush disinfecting products, it's crucial to understand the terminology. "Disinfection" refers to removing disease or infection, but the degree varies. "Sanitization" reduces bacteria by 99.9 percent, while "sterilization" eliminates all living organisms. The American Dental Association notes that no commercially available toothbrush cleaning products have been proven to sterilize toothbrushes [sources: Weil, ADA].
