You brush your teeth every day – hopefully twice! But have you ever stopped to think about your toothbrush? It scrubs away food and bacteria, and then… just sits there. Day after day, possibly collecting more germs than you can even imagine. Therefore, learning how to clean a toothbrush is an essential part of oral hygiene. Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help you keep it fresh and hygienic every step of the way.
How to Clean a Toothbrush
While your mouth is left much cleaner and your breath fresher after your usual oral hygiene routine, what about your toothbrush? It’s your first line of defense against plaque, bad breath, and cavities – but only when it’s clean itself.
When left uncared for, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria, and that’s definitely not what you want to be putting in your mouth twice a day. Introducing just a couple of simple habits to your usual routine can make a big difference for your overall oral health and hygiene.
Rinse Your Toothbrush Under Hot Water
In most cases, a quick rinse under hot water before and after each use will do the trick. This will help loosen up any leftover food or stuck toothpaste. While you’re rinsing the toothbrush, rub over the bristles with your thumb. After you’re done, give it a quick wash under cold water so the bristles firm up again. The same goes for electric toothbrushes.
Let It Dry Completely After Each Use
Most of the bacteria on your toothbrush are anaerobic, meaning they can’t survive when exposed to oxygen. So, air-drying the brush is an effective way to keep it clean. In fact, numerous studies show that toothbrushes that are stored in sealed containers or travel cases hold way more bacteria than those left out to dry.After you’ve rinsed the brush just like we’ve talked about, give it a good shake to get rid of excess water. You can also swipe your thumb across the bristles, then stand it upright in an open space and let the air do the work. If you still want to store it in a container, just make sure it’s completely dry first. After all, a damp, dark place is basically a spa day for bacteria.
How to Disinfect a Toothbrush
If you want to go a step further and figure out how to sanitize a toothbrush thoroughly, there are a couple of effective disinfectant solutions. Research published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry shows that soaking it in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is a simple and effective way to get rid of the lingering bacteria. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of water,
- Swish the toothbrush in the solution or let it soak for around 15 minutes,
- Rinse the brush thoroughly before using it.
Instead of hydrogen peroxide, a quick swish in antibacterial mouthwash can also do the trick. Or, try mixing 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water for a gentle but effective alternative. Even denture cleaning tablets work well, thanks to their enzyme-rich formulas that break down food particles and loosen debris caught between bristles.
Whatever method you choose, make sure to always rinse the brush well afterward to keep it clean and ready for action. And if you’re not really sure about which disinfecting solution you should use, you can always talk to your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark about it. They’re here to help!
How Often Should You Replace Your Toothbrush
Now that you know how to clean your toothbrush, let’s talk about another crucial aspect of this oral hygiene equation – how often you should swap it out. As a rule of thumb, this should be done every 3 months, or even sooner if it starts looking worse for wear.
Keep an eye out for fraying, flattened bristles, or anything that looks like it has seen better days. Also, if you’ve recently been sick, it’s best to toss the old brush and start fresh. Just a bit of precaution now will help keep your teeth healthy and strong for years to come.
How to Properly Store Your Toothbrush
Another important consideration when it comes to taking care of your toothbrush is the way you store it. As we’ve already discussed, air drying the brush is a great way to keep the bacteria to a minimum, so you should be storing it upright in an open-air holder.
Avoid closed containers or drawers at all costs, as dark, moist spaces are the perfect playground for germs. Also, if you share your bathroom with others, keep the toothbrush heads away from one another to prevent cross-contamination.
Good Hygiene Goes a Long Way in Preserving Your Dental Health
With just a little bit of care and perseverance, you will make sure that your toothbrushes are always doing a good job of keeping your smile healthy. And while your at-home routine matters, visiting your Charlotte, NC, dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams is the best way to confirm you’re doing everything right. It’s all these little habits that keep your teeth shining bright.
Keep Your Smile Nice and Clean With Aspire Dental Wellness
Your toothbrush does a lot for you, so it deserves a little love in return. However, it can only do so much on its own. If you’re looking for the right partner to keep your smile happy and healthy, look no further than our team at Aspire Dental Wellness.
Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, our practice of general dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is here to make sure you’re always on the right track. Contact us today to reserve your appointment, and let’s keep that toothbrush and that smile in top shape together!
