Do You Really Need to Sterilize Your Toothbrush?
Lots of places for bacteria to hang out!
This is my thought on this question about toothbrushes that we get asked periodically. You can buy special units which will sterilize your toothbrush, but in my opinion these are not really necessary! There are bacteria present always on your teeth so that when you brush your teeth you will load the bristles of your toothbrush with bacteria. It is inevitable! And this is ok.
Insta-Hot installed in a sink
Really, the best way to keep your teeth healthy and your toothbrush clean is to let your toothbrush dry out thoroughly between uses. After brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush very well – this removes the bulk of the food and debris that the bristles have removed from your teeth. Then store your toothbrush so that it can dry out. Some of you might have an extra hot water faucet sometimes called an insta-hot like this one mounted on your sink. You can rinse your toothbrush and then finish by rinsing your toothbrush with the insta-hot (near boiling) water to disinfect your toothbrush bristles. This won’t kill off all the bacteria present on the toothbrush, but it will eliminate most of them that were not rinsed off in the first rinse! Then store your toothbrush where it can dry out between uses. Why is this important? Drying kills off the bacteria.
Our office would be happy to answer your dental questions about toothbrushes or any dental matter! We are located in Grand Junction, Colorado but we see patients from all over the state. Our website is www.juliegillisdds.com. We also have a facebook page that you can see photos from our office and hear about the things we are up to.
We would love for you to ‘LIKE” us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/juliegillisddspc. Our phone number is (970) 242-3635.