Why You Should Disinfect Your Toothbrush During Cold and Flu Season, and 5 Ways to Do So

Did you know that up to 100 million bacteria can live on an uncovered toothbrush? Your toothbrush can also be a home for other germs, including fungi and the viruses that cause the cold and flu.

Since we’re deep into cold and flu season, disinfecting your toothbrush can stop the spread of these germs and help keep you healthy.

At his practice in Santa Monica, California, Jason Ray, DDS, encourages all of his patients to take preventive steps this time of year. This blog post explains how to disinfect your toothbrush and why it matters.

Why cleaning your toothbrush matters

Cleaning your toothbrush may seem like a hassle, but it’s one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and reduce the spread of germs. 

Every time you brush your teeth, the bristles come in contact with food particles, bacteria, and other microorganisms. This is perfectly normal (everyone’s mouth contains germs) but if left to their own devices, these germs can quickly multiply.

Regularly disinfecting your toothbrush can keep these microorganisms at bay and reduce your risk of infections, like cold, the flu, and COVID-19.

5 easy ways to disinfect your toothbrush

Now that you’re aware of the benefits, let’s look at five ways to disinfect your toothbrush:

1. Rinse with hot water

The easiest, least time-consuming way to disinfect your toothbrush is with hot tap water. This method won’t necessarily eliminate 100% of germs on the bristles, but it will prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from building up. 

For optimal results, ensure the water is hot enough to produce steam. Anything less and this approach won’t be as effective.

2. Soak in antibacterial mouthwash

If you want a more thorough cleansing option, consider soaking your toothbrush head in antibacterial mouthwash. Simply fill a small glass with enough mouthwash to cover your toothbrush head and let it soak for two or three minutes. Then remove your toothbrush and rinse it in tap water.

Antibacterial mouthwash kills significantly more germs than hot water, but it can also wear out your bristles quickly. So, you may find yourself replacing your toothbrush more frequently.

3. Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a staple in many first-aid kits. To clean your toothbrush with this approach, mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide into one cup of water. Soak your toothbrush bristles in the solution for 15 minutes. Then remove your toothbrush and rinse it with tap water. 

4. Ultraviolet light (UV) sanitization

Many companies now make UV sanitizers specifically for toothbrushes. These sanitization devices feature a chamber that bathes your toothbrush in UV light. The UV light damages the nucleic acids inside viruses and bacteria, inactivating their ability to spread disease.

This approach may seem a little “out there,” but it works. One study found that UV light chambers were more effective at disinfecting toothbrushes than saline mixtures or mouthwash.

5. Denture cleaner

If you wear false teeth, you may already have a disinfectant on hand — a denture cleaner. Denture cleaners are specifically formulated to destroy harmful bacteria and plaque that grow in your mouth. 

To get the most benefit, dissolve a tab of denture cleaner in a cup of water. Then, soak your toothbrush for at least 90 seconds.

Protect your oral health with routine dental checkups

Keeping your toothbrush clean isn’t just sanitary. It can go a long way toward preventing the spread of contagious illnesses like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. 

Another easy way to protect your oral health is with routine dental appointments. Call the office of Jason Ray, DDS, today to schedule your next checkup, or request an appointment online.