Properly storing your toothbrush is an important part of good oral hygiene. Keeping the toothbrush clean is equally important to your overall health since it is possible to introduce dangerous germs into your body via your toothbrush.

The best ways to store your toothbrush is typically a balance of preventing bacteria from accumulating on it while making sure the bristles have proper ventilation.

Is the bathroom counter a good place to store your toothbrush?

The bathroom counter is where most people store their toothbrush, but that is actually one of the worst places to keep it. That is due to the fact there are lots of contaminants that can foul up the bristles. The quality of the air indoors is about two to five times worse than the air outside.

All of these particles accumulate on your toothbrush, especially if you do not cover it up after use. That is not good for your oral hygiene. An even more serious concern is the airborne fecal matter that ends up in the air whenever you flush. These fecal particles can travel up to six feet away from your toilet.

That means fecal matter accumulates on your toothbrush in the bathroom, especially if it is a small bathroom. Fecal matter contains lots of dangerous bacteria and viruses. Brushing your teeth with a brush that has microdroplets of fecal matter is just gross.

Storing your toothbrush in an airtight container

Once you realize fecal matter in your bathroom accumulates on your toothbrush when you store it there, it can be tempting to wrap your toothbrush up in plastic. You can also keep it in an airtight container so it is safe from contaminants.

However, that is equally bad for your oral hygiene since a wet toothbrush is ideal for bacteria and mold growth. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, and it’s best to store it somewhere with good ventilation so that it dries up before the next use.

The bacteria that live in your mouth are anaerobic, so too much exposure to oxygen kills them off. That is why it is so important to store your toothbrush in a well-ventilated place. Use a toothbrush holder that has lots of ventilation holes if you prefer to cover it when not in use. Just make sure you regularly clean the cover to prevent cross-contamination.

It is also best to store a toothbrush with the handle down since this makes it easier for any water trapped in the bristles to drain away. A dry toothbrush equals dead bacteria and no mold.

Best way to store a toothbrush

The best way to keep your toothbrush safe from bacteria, mold and viruses is by using a toothbrush holder that holds it in place with the bristles up. It is also best to use one with a cover that has good ventilation. You can then store it in a medicine cabinet – or something along those lines – that is easy to open and close. This will keep your toothbrush clean between uses.

Want to learn more about properly storing your toothbrush? Contact one of our dentists today.

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