Should you be sanitising your toothbrush? A dentist weighs in on this hygiene habit

For many, the thought of sanitation mightiness stem from concerns astir germs, particularly successful households with bathrooms located adjacent toothbrush storage. 

But is it perfectly necessary?

Dr Ramakrishna Tanguturi BDS, MDS, maxillofacial and dental surgeon astatine Dental Profiles, says, “Yes, not sanitising your toothbrush regularly tin airs risks. Over time, a toothbrush tin harbour bacteria, fungi, and adjacent viruses, particularly if it is stored successful a moist environment. While galore of these microorganisms are harmless, immoderate — specified arsenic Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria liable for cavities, oregon adjacent Escherichia coli (E. coli) from bath vulnerability — tin multiply.” 

Repeated usage of a contaminated toothbrush increases the likelihood of introducing these pathogens into the mouth, starring to infections similar gingivitis, periodontitis, oregon adjacent reinfection aft a caller illness.

How bash bacteria from a toothbrush interaction oral health?

“Bacteria connected a toothbrush tin reintroduce harmful microorganisms into the mouth, contributing to plaque buildup, bony decay, and gum disease. Some studies suggest that pathogens connected toothbrushes could exacerbate conditions similar atrocious enactment oregon worsen pre-existing gum issues,” informs Dr Tanguturi.

Best practices to mitigate these risks

To mitigate these risks, Dr Tanguturi suggests the following:

-Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly aft each usage to region nutrient particles and toothpaste residue.

-Store it upright and let it to aerial dry. Bacteria thrive successful moist environments, truthful keeping the toothbrush adust is critical.

-Avoid covering the toothbrush with airtight caps, arsenic this promotes moisture buildup and microbial growth.

-Replace your toothbrush each 3-4 months to guarantee bristles are effectual and trim bacterial buildup.

Boiling a toothbrush for a fewer minutes tin destruct bacteria, but it whitethorn harm the bristles if done excessively frequently. (Source: Freepik)

Specific sanitisation methods

Several methods tin beryllium utilized to sanitise toothbrushes, Dr Tanguturi says, with varying degrees of effectiveness. Among the astir recommended methods:

UV airy sanitisers: These devices emit ultraviolet rays that termination bacteria and viruses by disrupting their DNA. Studies amusement UV sanitisers tin trim bacterial load by up to 99% connected toothbrushes.

Soaking successful antibacterial mouthwash: This method is effectual successful sidesplitting bacteria contiguous connected the toothbrush bristles. It’s simple, readily available, and effective.

Boiling water: Boiling a toothbrush for a fewer minutes tin destruct bacteria, but it whitethorn damage the bristles if done excessively frequently.

Dishwasher method: Some radical spot their toothbrushes successful the dishwasher for a heavy clean. While vigor and detergent tin termination germs, it could besides shorten the lifespan of the toothbrush.

DISCLAIMER: This nonfiction is based connected accusation from the nationalist domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your wellness practitioner earlier starting immoderate routine.