Efficacy of various disinfectants on microbially contaminated toothbrushes due to brushing. Lifting the lid on toilet plume aerosol: A literature review with suggestions for future research. Disinfection of toothbrushes contaminated with Streptococcus mutans. How clean is the toothbrush that cleans your tooth? DOI: 10.1111/j. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. You can use a toothpaste pump dispenser to reduce this risk of cross contamination. When you apply toothpaste to your toothbrush, there’s always a chance that your toothbrush and the toothpaste tube will make contact and transfer bacteria. Covering a wet toothbrush can lead to more bacteria growth on the bristles. It’s not necessary to cover your toothbrush, but if you choose to, be sure to let it air dry beforehand. Make sure to clean any toothbrush covers and containers every 2 weeks to keep harmful bacteria from taking hold. Clean toothbrush covers and holderīacteria from your toothbrush can get on any toothbrush covers and storage containers you may use to hold your toothbrush. Or, you may simply keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. You can prevent these bacteria from contaminating your toothbrush by storing it in a medicine cabinet with the door closed. This plume spreads harmful bacteria all over the surfaces in your bathroom, including your toothbrush. When you flush the toilet, fecal matter rises into the air in what’s known as the “ toilet plume” effect. Keep it as far away from the toilet as possible If there are multiple people in your household, keep each toothbrush a couple of inches apart from the others. Throwing multiple toothbrushes together into a cup can cause bacterial cross-contamination among the bristles. Swap out the hydrogen peroxide each day before putting your toothbrush down, bristles first, into the cup. Store it in hydrogen peroxide solution that’s changed dailyĪ 2011 study showed that keeping your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is an economical way to keep bacterial growth to a minimum. Storing your toothbrush correctly is probably as important as cleaning it after use. Once your toothbrush has been disinfected, you can take steps to keep it clean. Note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) doesn’t say that you need to use a UV chamber to clean your toothbrush. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for whatever UV sanitizer you purchase. This equipment can be on the expensive side, and it’s not necessary to have one for safe brushing. One s tudy comparing UV light chambers made for toothbrushes with saline solution and chlorhexidine gluconate solution found that UV light was the most effective way to disinfect toothbrushes. You can also invest in an ultraviolet (UV) light sanitizer product made specially for toothbrushes. In addition to hot water and mouthwash, you can use denture cleansing solution to disinfect your toothbrush.ĭenture cleanser is made up of antimicrobial ingredients that target bacteria and plaque that grow in your mouth.ĭon’t reuse denture cleanser you’ve already used on your dentures.ĭissolve half a cleansing tablet in a cup of water and dip your toothbrush in it for 90 seconds to get your brush extra clean. Once it boils, turn the heat off and dip your toothbrush in for 30 seconds or so. If you still want to use boiling water, heat water in a tea kettle or in a pot on your stove. You don’t need to boil your toothbrush to get it clean enough to use, and the plastic handle of most toothbrushes might start to melt in boiling water. This method involves letting your toothbrush sit, head down, in a small cup of mouthwash for about 2 minutes after each brushing. Keep in mind that doing this may wear out your toothbrush faster, as these mouthwashes usually contain harsh ingredients that make bristles break down. If a hot water rinse isn’t enough to give you peace of mind, you can soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash. The water should be hot enough to produce steam.Īfter you’ve brushed your teeth and mouth thoroughly, rinse your brush with more hot water. It also eliminates new bacteria which may have accumulated after each use.įor most people, clean, hot water is enough to sanitize a toothbrush between uses.īefore applying toothpaste, run hot water gently over the head of your toothbrush. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings. The most basic go-to method of sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the bristles before and after each use. Run hot water over it before and after each use There are several methods of disinfecting your toothbrush between uses.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |