Toothbrush, as an indispensable household commodity, has a positive effect on maintaining our oral hygiene. Most people probably keep their toothbrush in a cup or toothbrush holder right next to the sink in the bathroom, but is it the best place to store your toothbrush?

Since toothbrushes need to be put directly in your mouth, in close contact with your teeth, and are vulnerable to thousands of germs, storing them properly is one of the most important ways to protect your mouth from harmful bacteria and keep it clean and healthy.

So how to store your toothbrush properly? Read on for more information.

Some unsanitary ways to keep your toothbrush

At first, you may need to avoid some unsanitary ways when using your toothbrush.

1. Put the toothbrush near the toilet in the bathroom. This will expose your toothbrush to the elements that float around the air in the bathroom, like spray from a flushed toilet (called toilet plume), which is not good for your oral hygiene.

2. Keep your toothbrush lying in places such as the puddle on the side of the sink. Such storage is not conducive to the drying of your toothbrush and will increase the possibility of the attachment of bacteria.

3. Use household items (such as plastic bags, toilet paper, or aluminum foil) to store your toothbrush. Not hygienic enough, their surfaces may not guarantee the provision of storage for your toothbrush.

4. Cover the brush head with a travel cap or put it in a travel case when your toothbrush is meant for everyday use. This tends to prevent air from circulating freely and easily daily.

5. Soak the toothbrush in a solution that has been used multiple times. This will not only wear down the bristles but also increase the risk of cross-infection. 

6. Let your toothbrush be accessible to someone else toothbrush while you store it to dry. This can lead to the transmission of bacteria to each other, endangering your health.

7. Rarely clean the cup or toothbrush holder used to store the toothbrush due to laziness or other reasons. If so, bacteria can accumulate and pose a threat to your oral health.

How to store your toothbrush in a proper way

Here are some tips on how to store your toothbrush properly.

1. Keep toothbrushes away from toilets and sinks.

Research has shown that a flushed toilet will create an aerosol effect, spraying bacteria into the air. Making toothbrushes away from the sink can also make them more hygienic, avoiding the bacteria splashing onto your toothbrush when you use the sink. Keeping your toothbrush as far away from the toilet and sink as possible will reduce the number of bacteria that may land on your toothbrush.

2. Allow the toothbrush to dry completely in the open.

Air is vital to the toothbrush. Without enough air to dry it, your toothbrush may grow more bacteria in moist areas. Cabinets can be good places to store them, as long as there is enough air to dry them after use.

3. Use containers designed for storing your toothbrush.

It will have air holes to ensure proper drying and can help to protect the bristles. To provide a clean environment for your toothbrush, it is suggested to invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or one with a lid (as long as there is enough airflow to dry the toothbrush). 

4. Buy a toothbrush and holder for a trip.

Before you go on a trip, remember to purchase a travel toothbrush cap or portable holder to protect the toothbrush head from other items in your travel bag. Discard them immediately after use, as toothbrushes can build up bacteria even if they are not used regularly. 

5. Never reuse a soaking solution for multiple sessions.

It stands to be said that any solution you use to soak anything that goes into your mouth should be discarded after each use. It can avoid damage to the bristles and reduce the risk of bacteria accumulating.

6. Keep toothbrushes away from each other.

Make sure each family member has a unique toothbrush, and store your toothbrush away from others. That way you won’t mistake another toothbrush for yours, and you’ll reduce the risk of germs spreading through your toothbrush.

7. Clean your toothbrush and toothbrush holder regularly.

Cleaning your toothbrush and the toothbrush holder regularly will remove dust, germs, and dried toothpaste attached to your items. To address different holders, you can put it in the dishwasher, wipe it with disinfecting wipes, or use soap and water.

Keep in mind that in addition to storing your toothbrush properly, keeping it clean also contributes to your oral health. Discard toothbrushes with frayed bristles or residual stains promptly, because damaged bristles can trap more bacteria and hide in the toothbrush’s fibers. It is worth noting that, according to the ADA, you should replace your toothbrush every three months. 

A clean and sanitary toothbrush is required for a healthy mouth.

Please contact us if you have any questions about your toothbrush.