Millions of germs live in our mouth, including those that reside in the dental plaque, so it’s not surprising that they can build up on your toothbrush. So, it is essential to ensure that your toothbrush is absolutely clean. There are many ways your toothbrush can get in touch with germs. Your bristles could also get contaminated with toilet-related microorganisms.
As we flush the toilet, the spinning water mixes with bacteria in the air, which can also reach your toothbrush and harm your oral hygiene. Keeping your mouth healthy requires that you clean your toothbrush frequently, store it properly, and know when to replace it. After all, brushing your teeth is useless if the main object for cleaning is dirty. So how can you keep your toothbrush all-time clean, and how to stop bacteria from spreading to and from it? Let’s find out.
Rince your hands before picking up your toothbrush
The first important thing is to wash your hands properly before handling your toothbrush. Washing it will help prevent the passage of germs to and from your bristles because your hands are the primary means of transmitting bacteria and viruses. People are prone to the bacteria that wind up in the nail beds of their fingers.
Do not share your toothbrush container with others
A majority of us stay with our family or roommates, so avoid keeping your brush very close to other people’s brushes. It’s preferable if they avoid making physical contact because it is another way for infections to spread. Also, to get rid of any leftover food particles, toothpaste, or plaque material, you must make sure to rinse your brush before and after using it and let it dry in an upright position once you are done. Air drying is helpful in cleaning a majority of germs. It’s crucial to leave it outside because a closed container holds moisture and encourages the growth of germs. However, try to avoid keeping it next to your toilet.
Disinfecting toothbrush with an antiseptic mouthwash
You might wish to disinfect your toothbrush to destroy germs more effectively if you want to be extra cautious. Few of the active components are included in antiseptic mouthwash, all of which have the ability to destroy bacteria. It is believed that soaking a dirty toothbrush in antiseptic mouthwash is helpful in destroying germs.
Keeping toothbrush clean while traveling
You should take your toothbrush out of its case and store it in a sanitary bag wherever you go to keep it free of germs. One of the most crucial activities you can take to safeguard yourself against germs is to air-dry it if it is possible, and ideally until it is totally dry.
Accurate time to throw your used toothbrush
The accurate time to switch to a new brush is a maximum after 2 to 3 months. Once the bristles start to tear or become matted, toothbrushes should be changed. That’s because when the brush’s bristles deteriorate, the effectiveness in removing plaque declines. Also, after being unwell with a common sickness like the flu or a cold, you should change your toothbrush because doing so can help avoid reinfection or transfer to family members.