How Can I Keep My Toothbrush Clean?

Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, people are worried about cleanliness more than ever before. The worry of keeping everything clean enough should also extend to your toothbrush. You might be wondering “how can I keep my toothbrush clean” in the age of the coronavirus. That’s why, in today’s blog post, we have written about how to deep clean your toothbrush to keep it as germ-free as possible.

Daily Toothbrush Maintenance

Ideally, you should clean your toothbrush after every time you use it. Rinse it with warm water to help remove any germs that were previously in your mouth. Once your brush is clean, store it vertically in a toothbrush holder. Don’t keep it in a toothbrush cover, drawer, or cabinet. Places like these can quickly become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.

If you share a bathroom with someone, each person should have their own toothbrush holder. You don’t want to take the risk that germs could be transmitted from one brush to another. Additionally, you should replace your toothbrush with a new one every three months, or even sooner if the bristles look a bit frayed or worn-down. Also, switch out your brush if you have recently been sick, just to be on the safe side. Germs present on your brush could re-infect you, getting you sick all over again.

How to Give Your Toothbrush a Deep Cleaning

If you really want to avoid getting sick – with either the coronavirus or some kind of bacterial infection – it helps to thoroughly disinfect your toothbrush at least once a week. Here are a few suggestions to keep your toothbrush clean and germ-free:

• Dissolve a denture-cleaning tablet (in accordance with the instructions on the label) in water and soak your toothbrush in that
• Soak the bristles in vinegar overnight
• Swish the bristles around in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds (do NOT reuse this mouthwash to rinse your mouth out)
• Dissolve two teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of water and let your toothbrush soak in the solution
• Boil your toothbrush in hot water

You might be tempted to run your toothbrush through a dishwasher cycle or place it in the microwave. However, although the heat may kill germs, it could also damage the plastic of the brush. Most dentists would recommend against this practice.

In the time of COVID-19, personal hygiene is more important than ever, and that extends to your toothbrush. For more tips on how to keep your toothbrush clean, contact your dentist.

About the Author

Dr. J. Peter St. Clair has been a dentist in Rowley, MA since 1996. He is a Faculty Club Member of Spear Education in Scottsdale, AZ. Although his practice is currently only treating dental emergencies, you can still contact his practice for advice on at-home oral hygiene like cleaning your toothbrush. Just contact his office by calling (978) 948-2030.