Cleaning and disinfecting the toothbrush is part of oral hygiene. The accumulation of food debris, toothpaste, and moisture between the bristles of the toothbrush favors the daily proliferation of multiple germs that come into direct contact with our mouth.

How often do you disinfect your toothbrush? Do you know how to clean it properly after each use? How often do you change your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head?

We give you all the guidelines for the correct maintenance and disinfection of your toothbrush, according to the recommendations of dental health experts.

Why is it necessary to disinfect the toothbrush?

The main function of the toothbrush is to remove food debris accumulated inside the mouth. To remove food debris accumulated inside the mouth after each meal. Thanks to this, we limit the proliferation of bacteria and other germs responsible for the formation of biofilm on teeth and gums.

But what if the toothbrush is dirty? Without even realizing it, the toothbrush head can become contaminated with multiple bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are in that are found in the environment around us, posing a great risk of contamination to our mouth.

It is important to ensure that the toothbrush is in the best conditions for good oral health, avoiding cross-contamination during use.

How to clean your toothbrush on a daily basis?

After brushing your teeth, don’t forget to clean your toothbrush to remove any food debris and oral bacteria left on the brush head. To do this, put it under running water from the faucet rubbing the brush with your thumb to soften the bristles.

Shake it well so that there is no paste or food residue. Check it before storing or placing it in the brush cup so that there is no visible dirt.so that there is no visible dirt.

How and when to disinfect a toothbrush?

In addition to cleaning after each use, the toothbrush should be disinfected at regular intervals to ensure that it is completely clean. Bacteria and other germs are not visible to the naked eye. If you do not want them to come into contact with your mouth when brushing your teeth, try to remove them effectively.

There are different ways to disinfect the toothbrush. One of the simplest is to simply submerge it in boiling water. To do this, heat water and put it in a glass, where you immerse the toothbrush for one or two minutes.

However, boiling water can damage the bristles and even deform the handle. A very practical alternative if you do not want your toothbrush to get damaged is to use a disinfectant for dental prostheses You can also prepare a homemade solution with hydrogen peroxide or with Mouthwash. Both cleaning and disinfection techniques consist of immersing the toothbrush for a few minutes, and it is enough to do it once a week. Once disinfected, rinse it with cold water before using it again.

Toothbrush disinfection with Mouthwash

In the wake of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, new recommendations for daily toothbrush disinfection have emerged. One of the most effective compounds for the elimination of viruses and bacteria is cetylpyridinium chloride, which can be found in mouthwashes or rinses.

Numerous studies have shown that toothbrushes may play a key role in the transmission and transmission of coronavirus between cohabitants, people living together. To avoid this, it is sufficient to disinfect the toothbrush with a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride.

Fill a glass with a little mouthwash and immerse the toothbrush so that the dip the toothbrush so that toothbrush head is completely covered. After a few minutes, rinse it with water and let it dry in a ventilated place protected from other sources of contamination.

How to clean and disinfect the electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes require a different method of cleaning and disinfection than manual toothbrushes. While the bristles and the brush head can be cleaned with the aforementioned techniques, the body of the toothbrush must be cleaned separately.

Dampen a cloth in water or a soapy solution, and thoroughly clean the base of the brush. Repeat this procedure once a week or every two weeks, making sure that the electric toothbrush is thoroughly cleaned to extend its life.

How to store your toothbrush?

After cleaning and disinfecting the toothbrush, it is very important to store it properly. The first step should always be to dry it since humidity favors the growth of bacteria and fungi between the bristles of the toothbrush.

To dry it, shake it vigorously by the handle to expel as much water as possible. Then place it in a safe place with the head upwards so that the water remains drain downwards.

Store your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible to avoid contamination. It is also important to keep each family member’s toothbrush separate to avoid cross-contamination.