Learn why having a toothbrush sanitizer is dependent on many factors, including the care you take with your toothbrush to keep harmful oral bacteria at bay. We'll also let you know how toothbrush sanitizers work – and provide tips on keeping your toothbrush germ-free without a sanitizer at home and on the go.
First of all, not all oral bacteria are harmful. Like good gut bacteria, some oral bacteria actually benefit you. However, harmful oral bacteria can cause several dental health hazards, including infections leading to:
The trick is to keep beneficial oral bacteria happy while preventing harmful bacteria from wreaking havoc in your oral cavity. You have the power to do this in a couple of ways.
Let's talk first about the difference between sanitizing (or disinfecting) a toothbrush versus sterilizing it. A sanitizer can't actually sterilize a toothbrush, so you can't be sure it's completely bacteria-free.
Even if a sanitizer claims to kill 99.99% of the germs on your toothbrush, millions of germs could remain. Did you know you have 6 billion bacteria – good and bad – in your mouth? Amazing!
Nevertheless, a toothbrush sanitizer can:
Toothbrush sanitizers typically function in one of three ways so you can eliminate harmful bacteria:
You can find battery-operated or rechargeable toothbrush sanitizers of all shapes, sizes, and prices with a simple search. There are wall-mounted, free-standing, and portable varieties. Some hold multiple toothbrushes, and some only one at a time.
Whatever type of toothbrush sanitizer you choose to use, the American Dental Association (ADA) advises only buying ones approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
You might be a DIYer. If so, you shouldn't need a toothbrush sanitizer as long as you take these easy steps:
Once a week, you can also soak your toothbrush in antimicrobial mouthwash for a few minutes or in a mixture of water, vinegar, and baking soda for 30 minutes.
Commercial toothbrush sanitizers might work for you in keeping harmful oral bacteria from causing mayhem in your mouth. But keeping your brush bacteria-free without a toothbrush sanitizer requires only a few simple steps you can take anywhere. So, it all depends on your lifestyle and how you opt to disinfect your brush. But whatever you choose, you can make your toothbrush a model of sanitary cleanliness.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine
ORAL HEALTH QUIZ
Take our Oral Health assessment to get the most from your oral care routine