How and Why to Sanitize Your Toothbrush
Think about it. You brush your teeth at least twice a day (we hope). You know you have to brush your teeth to prevent gum disease and to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
You also know your mouth has millions of germs. Yet after you brush your teeth, you give your toothbrush a quick rise and put it back in your toothbrush holder.
Ordinarily, this is no big deal. However, there are times when you should sanitize your toothbrush. If someone in your family has a cold, you will need to sanitize your toothbrush, as cold germs can spread from person to person quickly via toothbrushes.
Also, if someone in your family has been diagnosed with the flu, you will also want to sanitize your toothbrush. One of the most important times you will need to sanitize your toothbrush is if you or a family member have strep throat. Research has shown that strep throat spreads quickly via toothbrushes.
Worried that someone’s illness in your family might spread? Or just concerned that your toothbrush isn’t so sanitary? Here are some tips for sanitizing your toothbrush.
Sanitizing Your Toothbrush
One way to make your toothbrush more sanitary is to find a good antibacterial mouthwash. Soak your toothbrush in the mouthwash for about 5 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly in hot water and let it dry.
Another way to sanitize your toothbrush is to soak it in a cup of hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly in hot water. You can also boil your toothbrush in hot water for 3 minutes. Many people choose to do this in the microwave, as it is less hard on the plastic part of your toothbrush.
You may have heard that you can run your toothbrush through the dishwasher to sanitize it. You can do that, but be sure to run it through on the hot cycle–no dishwashing soap. Buying a UV toothbrush sanitizer can also allow you to keep your toothbrush clean.
If you are not sure how to keep your mouth as clean as healthy as possible, why not give us a call? We would love to schedule an appointment to talk about your dental health.
