Should You Use A Toothbrush Cover?

Like most things, you want to keep your toothbrush clean, right? Right. But how clean? If you want to sanitize it, there are gadgets and solutions for that. And they're great at cleaning your toothbrush. But cleaning or sanitizing it doesn't make your toothbrush 100% germ-free. Sorry. Sterilizing or disinfecting, on the other hand, does eliminate all bacteria on your brush. However, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), microbial mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide hasn't been found to disinfect your toothbrush effectively. The same goes for a dishwasher or microwave. And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.

We've learned that completely sterilizing your toothbrush can be difficult. And sanitizing, while feasible, is still somewhat challenging. But basic care for your toothbrush is very achievable. Some of these tips from the ADA you may already be doing regularly, and some you may be able to integrate into your toothbrush storage routine.

• Everyone in the family gets their own toothbrush as sharing increases the risk for infection.
• Rinse your toothbrush, ideally with hot water, after each use to remove toothpaste and food debris
• Put your toothbrush away far from contaminants in an upright position so it can air dry as necessary.
• Get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner for children or if you've been sick.

Similar to yogurt and your mouth, some bacteria are okay. In fact, the ADA has found that your toothbrush bacteria has not been proven to harm your oral health. So what exactly is the whole relationship between you and bacteria? Glad you asked. Here are a few things to know:

• Bacteria is a constant within your body, both good and bad.
• It fights off the bad kind that creates infections in 2 ways — through passive and active mechanisms.
• Passive barriers include skin and mucous membranes that keep germs from entering your body.
• If your skin or membranes aren't up for the job, antibodies (like white blood cells), digestive acids, and enzymes step up to protect you from the disease.
• If your immune system is compromised or if you're battling an illness that's transferable via saliva or blood, preventive measures to limit bacterial contamination on your toothbrush would be wise.