The Toothbrush Dilemma

My then 5-year-old daughter once asked me a reasonable question that got me thinking: “When you clean the bathroom, do you also clean the toothbrushes?” To which I answered, “No, I don’t clean the toothbrushes when I clean the bathroom.” I could see the gears turning in her little brain until the inevitable follow-up came, “So, if our toothbrushes don’t get cleaned, do we use dirty toothbrushes to clean our teeth?”

Ah, the innocence of a child, asking all the right questions. The truth is, most of us don’t give much thought to the hygiene of our trusty toothbrushes. We rinse them off after use, but can we really call that “cleaning”? The oral cavity, it turns out, contains the highest number of bacteria among all other body areas. [1] So, are we ignorant to the dangers that toothbrushes can harbor? And what about afterwards, when they’re sitting in their holders, exposed to all sorts of airborne particles?

That ignorance is beginning to falter, and I’m starting to feel the need to par-boil all our daily scrubbers. But before I go into full-blown sanitization mode, let’s explore the best ways to keep our toothbrushes – and ultimately, our mouths and gums – sparkling clean and germ-free…or at least free of the bad germs.

Sanitizing vs. Sterilizing

First of all, it’s important to understand the difference between sanitizing (or disinfecting) a toothbrush and sterilizing it. A sanitizer can’t actually sterilize a toothbrush, so you can’t be sure it’s completely bacteria-free. Even if a sanitizer claims to kill 99.99% of the germs on your toothbrush, millions of germs could still remain. [2]

That said, a toothbrush sanitizer can:

• Reduce the number of harmful bacteria on your toothbrush
• Help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs
• Maintain the cleanliness of the brush

So, while it may not eliminate every last germ, a toothbrush sanitizer can give you peace of mind and help keep your oral hygiene routine a little healthier.

The Many Ways to Sanitize

Toothbrush sanitizers typically function in one of three ways to eliminate harmful bacteria:

1. UV Light: Ultraviolet light is known to kill germs by disrupting their DNA. Several studies have shown that UV light can get rid of a significant portion of bacteria on toothbrushes. [3]

2. Antimicrobial Solutions: Soaking your toothbrush in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or antiseptic mouthwash can also help kill up to 100% of germs. [3]

3. Drying Mechanism: Some sanitizers use a small fan to dry out the toothbrush head, which makes it harder for bacteria to survive.

You can find battery-operated or rechargeable toothbrush sanitizers of all shapes and sizes. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises only buying ones approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). [3]

DIY Toothbrush Cleaning

Of course, you don’t necessarily need a fancy sanitizer to keep your toothbrush germ-free. Here are some simple steps you can take:

1. Rinse thoroughly: Thoroughly rinse your toothbrush with tap water after every use to remove any remaining food particles, toothpaste, and plaque debris. [4]

2. Air dry: Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air-dry. Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so air-drying will kill most of the germs. [4]

3. Disinfect weekly: Once a week, you can soak your toothbrush in antimicrobial mouthwash for a few minutes or in a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda for 30 minutes. [4]

The key is to keep your toothbrush clean and dry between uses. Avoid storing multiple brushes in the same holder or in a drawer together, as germs can spread that way. [4]

Proper Toothbrush Storage

In addition to cleaning your toothbrush, how you store it also plays a role in keeping it germ-free. Here are some tips:

• Separate storage: Store toothbrushes in separate holders or containers to prevent cross-contamination. [5]
• Avoid closed containers: Steer clear of closed toothbrush holders or covers, as these moist environments promote bacterial growth. [5]
• Upright positioning: Store toothbrushes upright so any excess water, toothpaste, or debris can drain down the handle instead of pooling at the base. [5]
• Distance from toilet: Keep toothbrushes as far from the toilet as possible to avoid the dreaded “toilet plume” – those tiny water particles that spray into the air during flushing. [5]

Replacing Your Toothbrush

Even with the best cleaning and storage habits, toothbrushes don’t last forever. The general recommendation is to replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or matted. [6]

You should also replace your toothbrush after a bout of illness, as germs can linger and potentially reinfect you or spread to family members. [6] While it may feel wasteful, a fresh, clean toothbrush is worth the investment in your oral health.

Caring for Electric Toothbrushes

The methods for cleaning an electric toothbrush are very similar to a manual one. The main difference is that you’ll want to remove the brush head from the body before cleaning. The body of the electric toothbrush can be wiped down with a damp cloth and mild detergent. [7]

As for the brush head, you can clean it using the same techniques as a regular toothbrush – thorough rinsing, air-drying, and weekly disinfection. Just be sure to replace the brush head every 3-4 months, just like a manual toothbrush. [7]

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

One final tip: Avoid touching the open end of your toothpaste tube with your toothbrush. This can cause cross-contamination, spreading germs from the brush back to the toothpaste. Instead, try using a pump dispenser or squeezing the paste onto the back of your hand before applying it to your brush. [8]

Conclusion

Keeping our toothbrushes clean and well-maintained may seem like a hassle, but it’s a small price to pay for good oral hygiene and overall health. By following a few simple steps – thorough rinsing, air-drying, weekly disinfection, and proper storage – you can help ensure your toothbrush is doing its job of cleaning your teeth without introducing a whole host of uninvited guests.

So, the next time your little one asks about toothbrush cleaning, you can confidently assure them that you’ve got it covered – even if you have to make up a story about scrubbing them in the middle of the night. Just don’t forget to actually follow through and keep those brushes sparkling clean!

References

[1] Karibasappa GN, Nagesh L, Sujatha BK. Assessment of microbial contamination of toothbrush head: An in vitro study. Indian J Dent Res. 2011;22:2–5.

[2] Assari A, Reza Mosharraf, Maryam Foroughi. Efficacy of Different Sterilization Techniques for Toothbrush Decontamination: An Ex Vivo Study. Iran J Microbiol. 2016 Dec; 8(6): 404–411.

[3] Karibasappa GN, Nagesh L, Sujatha BK. Assessment of microbial contamination of toothbrush head: An in vitro study. Indian J Dent Res. 2011;22:2–5.

[4] WebMD. How to Clean Your Toothbrush. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/how-to-clean-toothbrush

[5] HealthPartners. How to Clean Your Phone (And Why You Should). https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/clean-your-phone/

[6] Colgate. Do I Need a Toothbrush Sanitizer? https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/brushing-and-flossing/do-i-need-a-toothbrush-sanitizer

[7] That Moxie Mom. How to Clean Your Toothbrush. https://thatmoxiemom.com/how-to-clean-toothbrush/

[8] Healthline. How to Clean Your Toothbrush. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/how-to-clean-toothbrush