Cleaning Your Toothbrush in Between Uses

You use your toothbrush on your teeth to dislodge food particles and bacteria from the inside of your mouth. Now that your teeth are clean, where are all of those food particles and bacteria? Your toothbrush. If you are concerned about the cleanliness of your toothbrush and questioning how you are supposed to keep it clean, the information listed below should be of some help.

The Importance of a Clean Toothbrush 

Each time you brush your teeth, bacteria and debris from the inside of your mouth get shifted onto the bristles of your toothbrush. If you do not clean your toothbrush, germs and bacteria will be free to multiply and thrive on its bristles. There’s no need to worry though, there are a lot of ways you can ensure your toothbrush stays clean in between replacements. 

How to Clean Your Toothbrush

An expeditious splash in your bathroom sink after you brush is not really an ideal way to ensure that your toothbrush is nice and clean. Ideally, you need to run your toothbrush under some warm water for at least one full minute in order to fully purge leftover food particles and toothpaste from its bristles. After you have properly rinsed your toothbrush, let it air dry and make sure to wipe down the handle as well. 

How to Sanitize Your Toothbrush

If you are thoroughly grossed out at the thought of anything at all being left behind on the bristles of your toothbrush, there are other methods you can use that will clean your toothbrush a little better. Sanitizing your toothbrush will help to stop specific bacteria and germs from spreading.

• Pour some antibacterial mouthwash into a glass and swirl the head of the brush around for at least 30 seconds. Drain the mouthwash when you are done, do not use it.
• Mix one cup of water with two teaspoons of baking soda to produce a cleaning solution. Allow your toothbrush to marinate for several minutes, then rinse it off and let it dry completely.
• Mix one cup of water with one teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and swirl the head of your toothbrush around for at least 30 seconds before you brush.
• Soak the head of your toothbrush in white vinegar overnight at least once a week.
• Dissolve a denture cleaning tab according to the instructions on the package. Then let the head of your toothbrush soak in the solution for at least a few minutes.

If you would like any additional advice concerning the replacement of your current toothbrush or choosing a new type of toothbrush entirely, our licensed and dedicated team at the Del Mar office of Curtis L. Chan, DDS would be happy to help. 

If you would like any additional information concerning any of our other cosmetic or preventative dental procedures we urge you to schedule an appointment with a California cosmetic dentist today by calling (858) 481-9090. 

Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful, bright set of teeth in a comfortable, safe environment.