how do i disinfect my childs toothbrush

How to Clean or Disinfect My Child’s Toothbrush?

• Hydrogen Peroxide. You can soak your toothbrush weekly in a container filled with hydrogen peroxide. It’s best to let it soak overnight. Be sure to ...
• Antibacterial Mouthwash. You can soak your child’s toothbrush in a small amount of mouthwash nightly. One benefit to this is that the brush tastes ...
• Rubbing Alcohol. You can give your brush a quick soak in a bit of rubbing alcohol. However, be sure to rinse with clean water thoroughly. The taste ...
• UV Toothbrush Cleaner. Some people like the idea of a high tech and easy UV light toothbrush sterilizer. While research shows that these products do ...

Full Answer

How do I Clean my Child’s toothbrush?

You can soak your toothbrush weekly in a container filled with hydrogen peroxide. It’s best to let it soak overnight. Be sure to rinse before using the brush in the morning. Antibacterial Mouthwash. You can soak your child’s toothbrush in a small amount of mouthwash nightly. One benefit to this is that the brush tastes fresh every morning.

How to disinfect a toothbrush?

Denture cleaner is easily available in stores and is a great way to disinfect a toothbrush. This antibacterial cleaner is formulated to break down food particles and other debris that is trapped between the bristles of a toothbrush. In addition, this particular is made specifically to kill bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth. 6.

How do I care for a powered toothbrush?

Follow the manufacturer's recommended instructions for use. The brush head of a powered toothbrush is cleaned just like a manual toothbrush after disconnecting it from the power source. Use a disinfecting wipe or a cotton ball dampened with hydrogen peroxide to clean the handle daily.

How do you clean the bristles of a Dyson toothbrush?

Pour some of the rinse into a clean plastic cup. Just pour enough to dip the toothbrush head and bristles in. Grasp the toothbrush by the handle grip and dip the bristles into the rinse. Swish the bristles around in the rinse for 30 seconds.

What is the best way to sterilize a toothbrush?

Disinfecting solutions.Mix 1 teaspoon of peroxide in 1 cup of water.Swish the bristles of your toothbrush in the solution or soak for 15 minutes.Rinse your toothbrush with water before brushing.If you decide to soak your toothbrush in the solution, change the solution every day.

How do you clean a toothbrush after Covid?

Squeeze a bit of toothpaste onto a Q-tip or piece of wax paper, then apply it to the bristles. Remember, you only need a pea-sized amount. Toothbrushes can still have germs on them even after being visibly rinsed clean.

How do I clean the bacteria off my toothbrush?

Although boiling water can be a bit harsh on the plastic of your brush, it does a great job killing the bacteria that builds up over time. Boil a small pot of water on the stove and dip the head of your toothbrush in the rolling boil for at least three minutes to kill most germs.

How can I disinfect my toothbrush naturally?

Baking soda is a natural method to disinfect your toothbrush. Simply mix two teaspoons of baking soda into one cup of water and mix thoroughly. Soak your toothbrush in the solution for 15 minutes and then allow your toothbrush to air dry.

How long can germs live on toothbrush?

When to Toss Your Toothbrush. The best way to limit the bacteria on your toothbrush is to replace it on a regular basis. The American Dental Association recommends throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months.

Can I sterilize my toothbrush in the microwave?

Microwave Method to Disinfect a Toothbrush As mentioned, microwaving proved useful for killing Strep germs on a toothbrush according to one study. Set the bristle end of the brush in a glass of water. Microwave for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the brush from the water, and place it in a safe place to air dry.

Should you sanitize toothbrush?

Your toothbrush can harbor bacteria from your mouth. These bacteria can multiply if your toothbrush isn't properly disinfected. Without proper disinfection, you're trying to clean your mouth with a dirty toothbrush.

How do you keep your toothbrush germ free?

Rinse the bristles thoroughly in water after brushing. Place some antiseptic mouthwash or 3% hydrogen peroxide into a small cup, enough to cover the toothbrush. Soak for about 15 minutes — any longer risks damaging the bristles. Rinse thoroughly with water before using again.

Does Listerine disinfect toothbrushes?

Run your toothbrush through on the hot cycle without soap. Purchase a UV toothbrush sanitizer. These nifty gadgets work by combining steam with dry heat to sanitize your toothbrush. However if you don't want to shell out the money, studies show that soaking your toothbrush in Listerine works almost just as well.

Does vinegar disinfect toothbrushes?

Soak in apple cider vinegar: With antimicrobial properties, this biodegradable disinfectant can help destroy mouth bacteria. Place your toothbrush in a cup of ACV for 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly, then allow to dry before using.

Can you soak toothbrush in bleach?

2. Disinfecting Your Toothbrush. To disinfect your toothbrush wipe the handle down with a disinfectant wipe, or disinfect with a diluted bleach solution as the CDC recommends. You can also use 70% alcohol.

Can I wash my toothbrush with baking soda?

Clean Your Toothbrush with Baking Soda Soak your toothbrush in a cup of water with 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Baking soda has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill bacteria that is a major contributor to tooth decay.

What is the most effective way to disinfect toothbrushes?

One s tudy comparing UV light chambers made for toothbrushes with saline solution and chlorhexidine gluconate solution found that UV light was the most effective way to disinfect toothbrushes.

How to sanitize a toothbrush?

The most basic go-to method of sanitizing your toothbrush is to run hot water over the bristles before and after each use. This gets rid of bacteria that may have collected on the toothbrush in the hours between brushings. It also eliminates new bacteria which may have accumulated after each use.

How to keep toothbrush from wearing out?

Soak it in antibacterial mouthwash. If a hot water rinse isn’t enough to give you peace of mind, you can soak your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash. Keep in mind that doing this may wear out your toothbrush faster, as these mouthwashes usually contain harsh ingredients that make bristles break down.

What is a denture cleanser?

Denture cleanser is made up of antimicrobial ingredients that target bacteria and plaque that grow in your mouth.

How to keep toothbrush from contaminating toilet?

You can prevent these bacteria from contaminating your toothbrush by storing it in a medicine cabinet with the door closed. Or, you may simply keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible.

How to store an electric toothbrush?

If your electric toothbrush is the kind that doesn’t detach from the base, just use warm water or a quick mouthwash soak, and store it in a clean, dry place .

Why do you put your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide?

A 2011 study showed that keeping your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is an economical way to keep bacterial growth to a minimum.

How to get rid of germs on toothbrush?

Mouthwash. Using an antibacterial mouthwash is another easy alternative. Soaking your toothbrush for 15 minutes each week will get rid of bacteria and germs that are stuck between the bristles. As a bonus, you’re left with a minty fresh toothbrush! Just be sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before the next use.

Why Should You Disinfect a Toothbrush?

It is likely that you have never considered disinfecting a toothbrush. Many of us pick up a new toothbrush at our bi-annual dentist appointment and never think twice about it. Have you thought about what a toothbrush really does?

Why do you need your own toothpaste?

For the same reasons, it is also wise to have your own tube of toothpaste to avoid possible cross-contamination from the bristles of a toothbrush touching the toothpaste tube . If you are in a pinch without a toothbrush, it is better to use your finger or a clean washrag, along with toothpaste, to clean your teeth until you are able to obtain your own toothbrush.

How to keep your toothbrush clean?

Keeping your toothbrush in a well ventilated, upright location will allow it to completely dry between each use which will create an environment in which bacteria will not thrive. In addition, spending a few extra minutes to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before and after each use will rid the bristles of leftover food and debris which will eventually lead to the development of more bacteria .

How often should I brush my teeth?

Following these simple steps and developing a habit of sanitation, in addition to using a new toothbrush every three to four months, is part of a healthy dental care routine. This, in addition to brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing each evening, and maintaining your bi-annual dental exams and cleanings, will enable you to have the healthiest teeth possible.

Why do you need a toothbrush holder?

A toothbrush holder also enables you to store your toothbrush in an upright position. Aside from the benefits of proper ventilation, upright storage also prevents cross-contamination. Cross-contamination can occur when your toothbrush comes in contact with any other surface.

What is the job of a toothbrush?

The job of your toothbrush is to clean leftover food and debris from your teeth. In the process, it also gets rid of harmful germs and bacteria that collect and grow in your mouth. Gross, right? After we use our toothbrush to rid our teeth of this bacteria, we simply rinse the toothbrush in the sink. Then we set it aside until the next time we use it. Where did the bacteria go? Unfortunately, much of it is still trapped between the bristles of the very same brush you will clean your teeth with again in a matter of a few hours.

How to clean a toothbrush?

One of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your toothbrush regularly is to periodically soak it in hydrogen peroxide. You don’t need much because the brush head is so small and it doesn’t take very long either because hydrogen peroxide is such an effective antibacterial agent. Please see this post for all the extra information you might want on this simple cleaning procedure.

How long should a toothbrush last?

How Long Should a Toothbrush Last? – Ever wonder when you are supposed to throw away a toothbrush and replace it with a new one? If you carefully read the back of most toothbrush packages you’l frequently find instruction to do this every three months or so depending on a few different situations and/or scenarios. As a rule of thumb three months is good advice but this post covers all the caveats to keep in mind when it comes to manual or electric toothbrushes.

Does baking soda clean toothbrushes?

Lots of people swear by using baking soda for all their natural cleaning needs… and for good reason too! Baking soda is very effective at cleaning all different types of surfaces. It disinfects and eliminates most things that can make you sick. This post outlines the process for using baking soda to effectively clean your toothbrushes.

Does bleach kill germs?

If you are really in a bind to get a toothbrush clean there is no doubt that bleach will kill all the germs and bacteria on it… but should you? Is bleach to harsh on the brush itself and is the brush safe to use again after using bleach on it? All these questions are answered here on this page. It’s worth taking a look even if you think another cleaning solution makes more sense to you.

Can you use alcohol to disinfect toothbrushes?

Alcohol is another viable solution to killing germs and bacteria that may be growing in the bristles of your toothbrush . There are however different types of alcohols that can be used for this purpose so we’ve prepared a full article on the topic. If you think that using alcohol to disinfect your toothbrush may be a great idea then see this article for a lot of tips and guidance.

Is boiling a toothbrush good?

If you think that boiling your toothbrush is a good idea to keep things clean then you are actually right. It may not be the best way to clean your toothbrush but it is a huge step up from simply rinsing it off before and after use. The hot water isn’t as strong at killing bacteria and germs as other methods though so please read this article to see how we recommend people get the job done. Boiling can be a good and inexpensive way to augment a more thorough deep cleaning which occurs a little less frequently.

Can you sterilize a toothbrush?

Luckily there are lots of different ways to sterilize your toothbrush, most of the main ways are covered here on this website in great depth on the following linked pages.

How to sanitize toothbrushes?

To sanitize a toothbrush, first rinse it under hot water for 30 seconds. Then, swirl the bristles around in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds . Alternatively, mix 2 teaspoons (10 g) of baking soda with 1 cup (240 mL) of warm water and let your toothbrush bristles soak in it for 5 minutes. You can also mix 1 teaspoon (5 mL) ...

How to get rid of bacteria on toothbrush?

Extend this rinse to a 10 minute soak if you are sick. 4. Bathe the toothbrush under ultraviolet light. Many sanitizers use ultraviolet (UV) light to kill the bacteria on the bristles of the toothbrush. The basic technique is the same for most of these devices. Open a user accessible casing of the device.

How to rinse a toothbrush with a plastic cup?

Pour some of the rinse into a clean plastic cup. Just pour enough to dip the toothbrush head and bristles in. Grasp the toothbrush by the handle grip and dip the bristles into the rinse. Swish the bristles around in the rinse for 30 seconds .

How to clean a toothbrush after brushing?

1. Rinse the toothbrush with hot tap water before and after brushing. Hold the toothbrush from the handle grip with your thumb. Run the bristles back and forth repeatedly under the hot water. Do this every time, before and after, you brush your teeth and make sure it has been completely cleaned.

How to keep a toothbrush clean?

1. Put the toothbrush in a dry place. Keeping the brush dry after a cleaning session is important to avoiding bacterial contamination. Check the area you are storing your brush and its container for adequate ventilation. You want air to flow to prevent bacteria from concentrating on the brush.

What does it mean when a toothbrush is colored?

Some toothbrushes have some colored bristles on them, which indicates when to change the toothbrush. As the color starts to fade and becomes almost the same as the other bristles, it is time to get a new toothbrush.

How to mount a toothbrush holder on a wall?

Purchase a mounting bracket and holder from a hardware store. Use a screwdriver to fasten the bracket to the wall near the back of the bathroom sink at least 2-3 feet away from the toilet, shower, and/or bathtub. Place the toothbrush holder onto the bracket by sliding it vertically into place.

How to make a toothbrush with vinegar and baking soda?

Using Vinegar and Backing Soda. Mix 1/2 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vinegar, and a 1/2 scoop of baking soda. Place your toothbrush in this for 30 minutes. January 14, 2016. By Molly Maid.

Why do we brush our teeth daily?

Secondly, as most of us know, there are millions of bacteria growing in our mouths daily. That is why we are reminded to brush our teeth daily by the dentist. Although some of these bacteria go down the drain when you are done brushing, there is a significant amount of bacteria that remains on your toothbrush.

How to clean a toothbrush head?

Before and after each use, rinse the bristles thoroughly with warm water to remove any debris. Pay attention to the handle of your brush, too, and wipe it clean.

How to prevent mold on electric toothbrush?

To prevent it, remove the head and wipe down the base each time you use it. Keep them separate to let each piece dry completely.

How to store a toothbrush?

How to Properly Store Your Toothbrush. Let’s start by acknowledging that how you store your toothbrush has everything to do with its potential to harbor bacteria. Warm, moist environments help germs thrive. Let your brush air dry completely, upright, without touching any other toothbrush heads, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends.

Can you put a toothbrush in the dishwasher?

What Not to Do. There’s a lot of advice out there that recommends putting your toothbrush in the dishwasher, boiling it in water, and using a UV sanitizing light, but some of these methods can potentially damage the bristles or the entire brush. So definitely avoid these!

How to clean a toothbrush head?

Rinse With Hot Water. While most of us use cold water when brushing our teeth, hot water is much more effective in cleaning a toothbrush. Before and after each use, rinse the toothbrush head with the hottest water available from your tap. The Spruce / Ana Cadena.

How to clean a toothbrush head with hydrogen peroxide?

If the hydrogen peroxide is fresh, you should see tiny bubbles form as it goes to work sanitizing the toothbrush head. Dispose of the hydrogen peroxide and use fresh peroxide for the next cleaning.

How to use denture cleanser?

Dissolve one-half of a tablet in one cup of cool water. When the effervescing stops, allow the toothbrush head to soak for one minute. Rinse well with cool water before storing or using the toothbrush. Dispose of the denture cleanser.

How to store toothbrushes in an enclosed case?

Store toothbrushes as far away from toilets as possible. Use a toothpaste dispenser with a pump to prevent cross-contamination from the opening of the toothpaste tube. Show Full Article.

Why do toothbrushes have soft bristles?

While toothbrushes are sold with hard, medium, and soft bristles, the ADA recommends using a toothbrush with soft bristles because they minimize the risk of gingival abrasion.

Why use a toothpaste dispenser with a pump?

Use a toothpaste dispenser with a pump to prevent cross-contamination from the opening of the toothpaste tube.

Can you use peroxide on a toothbrush?

Once exposed to light , the hydrogen and oxygen molecules in the peroxide will revert to plain water so the toothbrush is safe to use after soaking. Dispose of the hydrogen peroxide and use fresh peroxide for the next cleaning. The Spruce / Ana Cadena.