How to Disinfect Your Toothbrush & Keep It Germ-Free

You’re probably aware that regularly brushing your teeth plays an essential role in protecting your oral health. However, you can’t keep your mouth clean and healthy with a dirty toothbrush! If you’re not careful, your toothbrush can easily become a breeding ground for bacteria. Your Fanwood dentist shares a few practical tips on how to disinfect your toothbrush and keep your smile happy and healthy.

Toothbrush Bristles & Bacteria

Your mouth naturally contains plaque and bacteria. If these particles are allowed to build up, your risk of oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease increases. Thankfully, the bristles on your toothbrush are designed to gently but thoroughly scrub them away when you brush for two minutes twice a day.

Most of the debris can be cleared off your toothbrush by rinsing it with water after every use. However, any remaining bacteria will thrive in a warm, dark, and damp environment. This could easily be the bristles of your toothbrush if you keep it in an enclosed space like a cabinet, drawer, or underneath a toothbrush cover. Then, the next time you brush your teeth, this bacterium is reintroduced into your mouth and your risk of oral infections rises.

Tips for Sanitizing Your Toothbrush in Fanwood

Thankfully, there are a variety of ways you can easily sanitize your toothbrush at home. A few ways to clean away any lingering germs on your bristles include:

• Swirling the toothbrush head in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds.
• Dunking the bristles into a cup of water with two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into it.
• Soaking the toothbrush overnight in vinegar once a week.

More Ways to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean

Another important way to keep your toothbrush clean is to store it properly. Remember to:

• Store it upright and don’t let it rest against other toothbrushes.
• Let it airdry in an open space and never use a toothbrush cover.
• Throw it away or disinfect it after you’ve recovered from a sickness like a cold or the flu.

Don’t let your toothbrush become a breeding ground for bacteria! Sanitize it regularly and replace it every 3-4 months to keep your smile clean and healthy.

About the Practice

At Scotch Plains Fanwood Dental Care in Fanwood, NJ, we are proud to offer a variety of services for the whole family under one roof. Our talented dental team is trained to use state-of-the-art dental technology to help you and your loved ones overcome nearly any oral health issue. However, they would much rather help you prevent them from developing in the first place with excellent preventive care and great at-home dental hygiene! If you have more questions about how to keep your smile healthy from home, feel free to contact them via their website or at (908) 322-3222.