Disinfecting toothbrushes

September 3, 2010, 4:01pm

It is ideal to change your toothbrush every three months. Many also recommend changing it after getting sick. But for some reason or circumstance when fate just won't allow you to get a new one, you can always disinfect your current toothbrush.

Here's how. From Dentalresource.org:

1. Disinfect contaminated toothbrushes overnight in a solution of household bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Then rinse in clean water, and allow to air dry. Keep the bleach in a plastic container - not a metal container.
2. Keep all bleach products well out of reach of children! In case of accidental ingestion of bleach, do not induce vomiting, but give plenty of water.
3. You can also disinfect toothbrushes by cleaning them in a dishwasher every night - along with eating utensils. Allow them to air dry afterwards.

An eHow member, Rebecca Livermore, also suggests some other things to try:

Method #1 for Cleaning Your Toothbrush: Wash It

1. To deep clean your toothbrush, occasionally run it though the dishwasher. Be sure to place it on the top rack, so the toothbrush doesn't melt or bend due to the heat.

2. A less drastic method is to simply wash your toothbrush before and after every use by holding it under hot running water, and rubbing your thumb over it forcefully for five or ten seconds. Of course, be sure to wash your hands before using this method!

Method #2 for Cleaning Your Toothbrush: Swish It

Effective toothbrush cleaning often involves swishing your toothbrush in various liquids. Some of the most common solutions for cleaning your toothbrush by swishing include the following:

1. Listerine, or another mouthwash that contains alcohol. Although some people opt to keep their toothbrush in Listerine except when they're actually using it, swishing your toothbrush in mouthwash for thirty seconds, prior to use, is sufficient.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide. Place 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide in 1 cup of water, and swish your toothbrush in it prior to use. If you don't like the taste of hydrogen peroxide, you may rinse your toothbrush with clean water prior to use, but if you opt not to rinse the peroxide mixture off before brushing your teeth, in addition to disinfecting your toothbrush, the hydrogen peroxide will help whiten your teeth.

3. Bleach. Place the toothbrush in a cup with one part water and one part bleach - just enough to cover the bristles of the toothbrush. Swish it around for thirty seconds, then rinse. Be careful not to splash any bleach on your clothing or in your eyes, and be sure to rinse out the cup thoroughly immediately after use so that no one accidentally drinks the bleach mixture. Also, be sure to rinse off the bleach mixture prior to using the toothbrush.

Method #3 for Cleaning Your Toothbrush: Soak It

Some people choose to soak their toothbrush anytime they are not using it. Unfortunately, many of those same people use the same soaking solution several days in a row, which can actually hurt, rather than help the problem. A solution is to soak your toothbrush in undiluted vinegar overnight, once every two weeks. The vinegar kills the majority of mold, germs and bacteria.

For a quick soak method, put your toothbrush in a clean mug and cover the bristles of the toothbrush with boiling water. Keep the toothbrush in the boiling water for three minutes and then use as usual.

Sources:

Dentalresource.org

eHow.com