Tips on Disinfecting You Toothbrush

Dental experts say that you should brush your pearly whites 2 to 3 times a day. However, there is no point in brushing your teeth on a regular basis if the toothbrush you are using is jam-packed with bacteria!

Just because your toothbrush is a tool for cleaning your teeth and the surface of your tongue doesn’t mean it’s a self-cleaning object — it can collect disease-causing microbes just like your mouth.

It’s for this reason why it is very important for you to make sure that your toothbrush is properly disinfected. Otherwise, you are simply introducing bacteria into your oral cavity each time you brush your teeth!

Especially during the cold or flu season virus, it’s a must for you to use a bacteria-free toothbrush always. If you fail to clean it properly, it can serve as a breeding ground for microbes that cause the common cold and influenza.

According to dentists, it is a good idea for you to have your toothbrush disinfected at least once a week — more if you are sick or someone in your home or office has an upper respiratory tract infection.

Using a clean toothbrush is the secret not only to having a fantastic smile, but also fending off the common cold and flu. So in other words, it’s perfect for making you look great and strengthening your immune system.

Once per week or more, get your toothbrush disinfected using any of the following tips:

Soak It in Your Favorite Mouthwash

Fill a shot glass with your favorite mouthwash. After using your toothbrush, dunk it in that mouthwash-filled shot glass. Let it stay there until your next brushing session. Replace mouthwash before dunking it in.

Using an alcohol-free mouthwash because your dentists told you it’s better for your mouth? Then invest in a small bottle of alcohol-based mouthwash exclusive for disinfecting your toothbrush.

Or Opt for Hydrogen Peroxide

There is a cheaper alternative to alcohol-based mouthwash that you may use for getting your toothbrush disinfected each time, and it’s hydrogen peroxide — the very same thing you use for disinfecting minor wounds.

Fill a shot glass with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and soak your toothbrush in it after every use. Remember to replace hydrogen peroxide each time, and also rinse your toothbrush with water beforehand.

Boil It for About 3 to 5 Minutes

One of the most effective ways to kill off disease-causing microbes on an object is getting it boiled in water. Needless to say, it’s a good idea for you to boil your toothbrush in water for 3 to 5 minutes at least once a week.

It’s true that boiling can cause the bristles of your toothbrush to wear out at a much faster rate, but getting your hands on a new toothbrush more often is a small price to pay for wanting to be healthy.

Sanitize It Using Your Dishwasher

Did you know that it’s perfectly fine to have your toothbrush cleaned using your dishwasher? It’s the perfect solution if you don’t have the time to stand by your stove to boil your toothbrush in water for a few minutes.

According to dental experts, your toothbrush should be placed in the silverware compartment if you want it squeaky clean. Consider choosing the hot cycle without putting soap for best results.

Invest in a Toothbrush Sanitizer

Last but not least, you may simply get your hands on a toothbrush sanitizer. The best one to go for is the kind that uses UV light as it’s very good at killing off microbes residing on your toothbrush.

Some models use a combination of dry heat and steam rather than UV light. But if you don’t want to shell out cash for such device, then feel free to stick to any of the tips mentioned above.

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