It’s common knowledge that brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day is a key part of preventing oral health conditions and keeping your smile sparkling. However, if you’re using an old toothbrush, you may not be protecting your pearly whites as well as you think. In fact, you may have bacteria growing in its bristles if you’re not being intentional about how you store and clean it! Your Kansas City dentist goes over the best way to sanitize your toothbrush and keep your smile happy and healthy.
Is Toothbrush Sanitization Necessary?
Every mouth is naturally full of bacteria and plaque. If too much of either builds up in your mouth, you’re more likely to develop tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health concerns. Brushing your teeth with fluoridated toothpaste dislodges and removes these particles before they can cause damage and strengthens your teeth against decay.
Rinsing your toothbrush off after every use typically removes most of these particles. However, any remaining bacteria on the bristles will thrive and grow in a warm, damp, and dark environment, which could be your toothbrush if you keep it in a cabinet or use a toothbrush cover. Then, these bacteria are redeposited back into your mouth the next time you brush, which could lead to infections and other oral health issues.
How Do I Sanitize My Toothbrush?
Thankfully, there are several easy ways you can disinfect your toothbrush and clean away any lingering germs by:
- Swirling the toothbrush bristles in antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds.
- Soaking the toothbrush bristles in vinegar overnight once a week.
- Dunking the toothbrush bristles into a cup of water with two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved into it.
How Do I Keep My Toothbrush Clean?
Preventing bacterial growth in your toothbrush bristles depends heavily on how you store it. A few tips for keeping your toothbrush clean include:
- Store it upright and away from other toothbrushes.
- Don’t use a toothbrush cover or keep it in an enclosed, dark space like a cabinet or drawer.
- Throw it away or disinfect it after recovering from a cold or the flu.
Remember, your toothbrush will still need to be replaced every three to four months or whenever the bristles become frayed, even if you sanitize it. Toothbrushing is your number one defense against most oral health conditions, so it’s essential to make sure your tool is up to the task of keeping your smile clean!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Byars is a graduate of the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry and an active member of several prestigious associations. Thanks to his dedication and memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and the Missouri Dental Association, he stays up to date on the latest dental techniques and technologies. While he offers a range of advanced restorative and cosmetic options, he would much rather take the time to help you prevent issues with regular cleanings and excellent at-home oral hygiene. If you have more questions about your toothbrush, feel free to contact him via his website or at (816) 781-8222.