Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for our overall health. A crucial part of oral hygiene routines is making sure to have a clean toothbrush. There is a lot of fixation on the various toothpaste choices available and on finding the right brushing technique, but the cleanliness of the toothbrush itself can be overlooked.
Here, we will discuss the importance of cleaning and sterilizing your toothbrush after use and provide practical steps to help you keep your brush free from bacteria.
Why Cleaning Your Toothbrush is Important
A toothbrush is of course a tool that helps you remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. However, if your brush is not properly maintained it can inadvertently become a breeding ground for bacteria. Toothbrushes can harbour many potentially harmful things such as bacteria, fungi, and even in some cases viruses.
If your toothbrush is not cleaned regularly oral infections and other health issues emerge. It is therefore crucial that the toothbrush is cleaned so that it remains effective in maintaining your oral health, rather than having a negative impact.
How Often Should Your Toothbrush Be Cleaned?
You should at least be rinsing your toothbrush following every use with warm water and then shaking off any excess water. Running your thumb over the bristles can help with this process. However, it is largely recommended that your toothbrush should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a week.
Additionally, you should replace your toothbrush every three to four months to ensure harmful things do not build up on the bristles. It might be that you need to replace your brush sooner if the bristles are frayed.
Cleaning your toothbrush regularly helps to remove any accumulated debris and bacteria, ensuring that it remains hygienic and effective. This is where Sustuff’s bamboo toothbrushes come into their own, with replaceable heads meaning you can ensure your brush remains clean.
Our minimalist bamboo brushes start at £12.99 and come with 3 replaceable heads to reduce plastic and waste, combined with a mould-free and plastic-free handle. You can choose between medium or soft bristles and the Jungle Green or Eclipse Black colours for the handle.
Tips for Cleaning Your Toothbrush Effectively
Rinse Thoroughly After Each Use
After brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly under warm running water. This will remove any remaining toothpaste and stop it from drying out and becoming difficult to clean later. It will also help to remove any food particles, and saliva that has built up during your brush.
Make sure to shake off any excess water and store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow it to air dry.
Soak in Antibacterial Mouthwash
To help sterilise your toothbrush you can soak your brush in antibacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Simply fill a small cup with mouthwash and immerse the toothbrush head for about 15 minutes. After soaking, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water, shake off excess water and allow it to dry.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide
For sterilizing your brush another effective disinfectant is hydrogen peroxide. If you mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water in a cup and soak the toothbrush head for about 15 minutes it should help to remove any harmful bacteria that has accumulated. Ensure you rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with water after.
Submerge in boiling water
Submerging your toothbrush in boiling water can help kill bacteria. Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the toothbrush head for about three minutes. Be cautious not to overboil, as this can damage the bristles. After boiling, let the toothbrush cool and dry completely before using it again.
Small Steps To Boost Toothbrush Hygiene
Avoid Sharing Toothbrushes
Sharing toothbrushes can transfer bacteria and viruses between users, increasing the risk of infections. Each family member should have their own toothbrush, clearly labelled to avoid mix-ups.
Store Toothbrushes Properly
Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry. Avoid storing toothbrushes in closed containers, as this can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. If you use a toothbrush cover, make sure it has ventilation holes.
Replace Toothbrushes Regularly
As mentioned earlier, it's important to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn-out toothbrush is less effective at cleaning your teeth and can harbour more bacteria.
Keep Toothbrushes Separate
If you store multiple toothbrushes in the same holder, make sure they are not touching each other. This helps prevent cross-contamination between toothbrushes.
Take the next step
Cleaning your toothbrush is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining good oral hygiene. You should of course make sure you have the right brush to begin with and replace it regularly. This is where Sustuff comes in with our bamboo plastic alternative toothbrushes with plant-based bristles.
Our toothbrushes are easy to maintain because you replace the heads easily to avoid any build-up of bad bacteria. So, check out our collection of toothbrushes today!
Replacement heads for your lifelong handle can be available for as little as £0.75 per month if you take advantage of our subscribe and save option.