How to Clean and Disinfect Toothbrush After Flu or Sickness
Using a toothbrush after a cold or the flu is disgusting. We will share the top 3 ways to clean and disinfect your toothbrush, one thing you should never do in cleaning your toothbrush, and lastly, we’ll give you one bonus method at the end. And this is not only for your toothbrush.
It’s also applicable to your retainer, flosser, or tongue scraper. They all need to be cleaned, right?
Basic Rules
Let’s go over some general rules for keeping your toothbrush sanitized to prevent illness.
- Never share a toothbrush.
- Rinse your toothbrush for at least 15 seconds under the water to dislodge any chunks of food or toothpaste.
- Store your toothbrush in an open-air holder. Give it lots of fresh air. Placing it in a dirty cup, drawer, or travel case will promote the growth of mold or bacteria that will lead to mouth diseases like gingivitis.
- Use your eyes to protect your teeth. When you see discoloration, buildup, or matting of the bristles, it’s time to change the toothbrush. It should look clean and straight.
- Toothbrushes should be replaced approximately every 3 to 4 months or more often if the bristles become matted or frayed. The effectiveness of the brush decreases as the bristles become worn. And if you have any questions about the effectiveness of your toothbrush, get a new one. Here’s the link to Dollar Tree Toothbrushes.
3 ways to clean and disinfect a toothbrush
Here are 3 types of cleaning methods:
1. Old Fashioned Way
After using your toothbrush, rinse it in warm water for 15 seconds. Store it upright (to air-dry), and avoid placing it in a cabinet or drawer. Enclosed storage or containers can cause more bacteria and mold growing on them.
2. Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Fill a clean container with hydrogen peroxide (just enough to cover the bristles). Let it sit for around 3-5 minutes, and rinse it with warm water.
Remember to throw out the Hydrogen Peroxide afterward and clean the container.
3. UV Method
UV-C light is weak at the Earth’s surface as the ozone layer of the atmosphere blocks it. While UVGI devices can produce strong enough UV-C light in circulating air or water systems to make them inhospitable to microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and other pathogens.
They come in various shapes and sizes.
- ➡️Personal
- ➡️Travel
- ➡️Family
They even have them for Electric toothbrushes.
Bonus method
As promised, the last and easiest method to clean and disinfect a toothbrush after someone has the flu is to… Throw it out. You can get a six pack on Amazon for $4 dollars less than a dollar a brush.
