A toothbrush is the one thing that regularly helps defend against all germs and infections in the mouth. But toothbrush is always stored openly exposing them to bacteria and germs. The germs can lay down in the toothbrush that you use every morning and night and also travel into your mouth.
The Importance of Hygiene in Toothbrush Care
Toothbrushes help in preventing various oral health issues but have you ever thought of the cleanliness of toothbrushes? There are toothbrush covers in the market but barely anyone uses them for toothbrush storage. Hygiene for toothbrushes plays an important role in your overall oral care.
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You must keep it covered with toothbrush covers so that no germs can lay on it.
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After rinsing your toothbrush, let it air dry first and put the cover on it.
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Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
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Keep a sanitary toothbrush storage so that the area around it is well-cleaned and sanitised.
How to Store Your Toothbrush in an Open Environment?
To store your toothbrush in an open environment, you have to make sure that you store it in a proper tight toothbrush holder in a clean surrounding. You can keep the following pointers in mind while doing so.
Holder- Use a toothbrush holder while storing the toothbrush in the bathroom. The holder will give your toothbrush the space to air dry as well as protect it from germs.
Location- The location to store your toothbrush matters a lot. You must store your toothbrush in clean and sanitised surroundings to avoid germs.
Clean the holder- Regularly clean your toothbrush holder with soap and water.
No contact- Try to avoid close contact between two brushes. Ensure the brush heads don’t touch one another.
Should You Use a Toothbrush Cover? Pros and Cons
There are many pros and cons to whether you should keep your toothbrush covered or not. American Dental Association (ADA) has stated how to store toothbrushes and they are not in favour of toothbrush covers as it can lead to bacterial growth. However, here are some pros and cons to check.
Pros
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Cover the toothbrush with a tight cover so that bacteria cannot lay on it.
Cons
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Covering toothbrushes can promote bacterial growth.
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Bristle doesn’t find their way to breathe.
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It prevents the toothbrush from drying in open air.
How to Prevent Cross-Contamination in Shared Bathrooms?
Storing toothbrushes in the bathroom can promote bacteria growth. To prevent cross-contamination, you must keep the following in mind :-
Individual toothbrush- Never use another’s toothbrush mistakenly as it can transfer bacteria into your mouth.
Separate holder- Do not keep two toothbrushes near to one another, ensure different toothbrush has different holders.
Toothbrush Storage in Travel: Tips for Hygiene on the Go
A hygiene kit is a necessity while you are away from home travelling. The hygiene kit protects your skincare, haircare and even oral care. For your oral care, you must ensure the hygiene is intact.
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Have an oral care portable travel kit.
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Always use a cover before and after brushing.
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Let it dry in the open air and then only store it.
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You can opt for Perfora’s Sonic electric toothbrushes that come with their own covers for easy storage.
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Keep your toothbrush separate from other toiletries.
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Do keep Perfora’s Smart Dental flosser for complete oral care.
Takeaway Tips
A proper toothbrush is a simple yet powerful task to do to maintain good oral health. Always rinse your toothbrush, let it dry in the open air, do not keep your toothbrush around toilets and use a cover. Just like your teeth, your toothbrush needs to care too. You should also change your toothbrushes at regular intervals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most hygienic way to store toothbrushes?
Answer- The most hygienic way to store your toothbrush is to keep it upright where it can dry out in open air but make sure the toothbrush holder is away from the toilet to prevent bacterial growth.
2. Where is the best place to keep your toothbrush?
Answer- The best place to keep your toothbrush is in a disinfected area which is regularly cleaned and away from toilet to prevent bacteria lay on them.
3. Is it sanitary to keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?
Answer- Dental professionals do not recommend keeping toothbrushes in the bathroom due to high humidity which can cause germs to lay on the toothbrush.