What percentage of plaque is removed by your toothbrush? If you follow your dentist’s instructions and clean and floss your teeth twice daily, a dirty toothbrush can still hinder your efforts to prevent the spread of bacteria. To be unclean, your toothbrush need not appear to be so. There might be over a million tiny bacteria in just one toothbrush.

The issue can be fixed by regularly replacing and cleaning the toothbrush. How to effectively get a cleaner toothbrush and enhance oral hygiene is covered here.

Please Follow Proper Washing & Drying Procedures

Simple dental care for your toothbrush can prolong its life and effectiveness. Just run the toothbrush under some hot water after each use. Repeat the rinsing process with cold water, agitating the bristles to remove any remaining paste or debris. If your toothbrush gets wet, let it air dry before putting it back in its case. To prevent the spread of germs, let your toothbrush air dry between uses.

Solution for Sanitation

If you want to give your toothbrush a more thorough cleaning, you can do so by soaking it in a liquid disinfectant. To do this, mix one teaspoon of peroxide with one cup of water and then dip your toothbrush into the solution. You might also use an antibacterial mouthwash to clean your toothbrush. For best results, leave the solution on the toothbrush head for at least 30 seconds, then remove it, swish it in water, and allow it to dry naturally.

Using ultraviolet light for disinfection

Many people use UV sanitizers to ensure that their toothbrushes remain germ-free. Electronic toothbrush sanitizers are now on the market, employing UV light to eliminate bacteria. While ultraviolet (UV) sanitizers are excellent at destroying germs, some have pointed out that they can shorten the life of your toothbrush.

The Toothbrush Should Be Replaced Twice a Year at the Very Least

After some time, even the most meticulously cleaned toothbrush will lose its effectiveness. The bristles on a toothbrush will become worn after repeated use and will no longer clean your teeth as effectively. In order to keep the bristles clean and in good condition, professionals advise replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.

Brushes shouldn’t be shared

It’s not a good idea to share a toothbrush, even if you’re fine with sharing everything else. Sharing a toothbrush is disgusting and potentially dangerous due to the spread of bacteria. Brushing your teeth with someone else’s toothbrush could expose you to more than just their saliva.