While you should always rinse your toothbrush after each use, it also does not hurt to soak and sanitize your toothbrush between replacements. The American Dental Association recommends that a toothbrush be replaced about every 3 months. Therefore, it cannot hurt to include a regular brush cleaning or soaking routine to your brushing regimen to keep your gums and teeth healthy.
How to Soak Your Toothbrush
To get rid of debris and germs on your toothbrush, soak it in mouthwash.
Dip the head of your toothbrush into one cup of an antibacterial mouthwash for a few minutes after brushing. Not only will your toothbrush be cleaner, but it will also have a nice minty smell.
Boiling Away the Germs
While boiling water may be a little harsh on the plastic of a toothbrush, it will kill bad bacteria. Boil a small pot of water and dip the head of the toothbrush into the water when it comes to a rolling boil. Keep it in the water for about 3 minutes. Rinse your brush in cold water afterwards so the brush is brought back to a safe-to-use temperature. Wait a few minutes before using the toothbrush.
Run Your Toothbrush through the Dishwasher or Invest in a Sanitizer
Place your toothbrush in the container that holds other utensils and allow the toothbrush to cycle through with the dishes. Run the cycle at a lower temperature to prevent any warping or melting. A more practical solution might be to invest in an ultraviolet sanitizer, which has the same type of effect as autoclaving dental instruments. While an in-home UV sanitizer may be a little expensive, it will kill bad germs in a matter of minutes. Buying this type of sanitizer, in the long run, may prove to be a good investment.
Whether you soak your toothbrush or use a UV sanitizer, you can improve your oral health by taking the extra time to clean and sanitize your toothbrush. You can also improve your dental health with regularly scheduled appointments with us. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment for a professional cleaning and exam.