How to clean a toothbrush

Toothbrush

Toothbrushes are used for periodic care of oral hygiene and removal of plaque accumulated on the teeth. Therefore, toothbrushes are a suitable environment for the accumulation of bacteria and viruses, which may cause several diseases. such as colds and influenza, that is why the National Dental Association advises to keep the toothbrush clean, by cleaning it at least once a week, and the history of the invention of this tool in Europe dates back to the beginnings of the eighteenth century, and its inventor was granted a US patent in 1857 AD.

How to clean a toothbrush

Manual toothbrush

Many effective methods can be followed in cleaning a manual toothbrush, and among these methods and observations are the following:

• Washing the toothbrush with hot water, then washing it and rubbing its bristles with a finger under cold water, before and after each use, as hot water helps soften the bristles of the brush, and gets rid of food residues and paste accumulated inside, while cold water restores the strength of the bristles, as well as removes dirt remaining, and reduces the accumulation of disease-causing germs.
• Soak the toothbrush in the mouthwash for 30 seconds, in order to sterilize it from the germs accumulated on it, as the alcohol-containing lotion works as an antibacterial, and the mouthwash can be replaced if it is not available with a homemade solution; This is done by mixing two tablespoons of baking soda with a cup of water.
• Use the dishwasher to clean the toothbrush, by placing the brush in the top rack of the washing machine, or in the silverware rack.
• Putting the toothbrush in boiling water for about three minutes, due to its ability to kill germs on the brush.
• Sterilization of the toothbrush, using an ultraviolet disinfectant, as its principle of action is based on mixing dry heat with steam to disinfect the brush.
• Using vinegar to clean the brush from germs, by soaking it in it during the night, once a week.
• The use of effervescent tablets used to clean dentures, to sterilize and clean the brush, as the formed foam solution is effective in analyzing and dissolving food particles stuck between the brush bristles, due to the enzymes it contains, and cleaning materials to get rid of accumulated germs and bacteria, as it contains a mixture of sodium bicarbonate , and citric acid.
• Store the toothbrush before use in 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, in order to keep it sterile, taking care to change the solution daily.

Note: Hands should be washed with soap, before and after using the toothbrush.

Electric toothbrush

The electric toothbrush head and handle can be cleaned with bleach, by following these steps:

• The necessity of separating the electric toothbrush from the electricity when cleaning it, and it must also be taken into account not to put it in hot water, because this may expose the person to electrical contact, and damage the brush.
• Prepare a bleaching or sterilization solution (in English: Bleach), by mixing an amount of it with 10 times the amount of water in a container, and using a clean cloth dipped in the solution, the brush and the handle are wiped, to make sure that the remnants of the paste stuck on the brush, or any other germs, are removed, then immersed The toothbrush is complete, including the head, with the bleaching solution that was made, to ensure that it is sterilized and cleaned thoroughly, for a full hour, once a month, taking into account the need to wear gloves when using the bleach.
• Wash the toothbrush well with water, as the residue of the bleaching solution stuck on the brush must be removed, making sure that there is no trace of its smell as well, in order to ensure that it is used safely later.
• Clean the hole at the upper end of the handle well, by wiping it with a clean cloth, to make sure that all the dirt accumulated in it is removed, in the event that the brush head can be separated from the handle.

Cleaning the toothbrush holder

The toothbrush holder is one of the important tools that must be cleaned regularly, as it must be cleaned once a week, because the germs and bacteria that accumulate on the brush holder can be transferred to the toothbrush, which in turn transmits germs to the mouth when used, and is a process Cleaning the stand is easy, by following these steps:

• Cleaning the manual toothbrush holder: It is cleaned either automatically using a dishwasher, which in turn washes it with hot water and detergent, if the brush holder is of the type that can be put in the washing machine, or manually using soap and water, as the holder is disassembled, then all its parts are soaked in a mixture of Hot water with a little dishwashing liquid inside the basin, for about 10 minutes, taking into account the need to wear gloves to protect hands from the heat of hot water, and by using a clean cloth dampened with soapy water, all parts of the brush holder are cleaned well, and after completion, all its parts are washed with water to clean them of soap residue, then dry the holder well using a new cloth before placing the toothbrush in it.
• Cleaning the electric toothbrush holder: The brush must first be separated from the electrical connector, then wet a cloth with a mixture of dishwashing liquid and hot water, to wipe all parts of the brush holder, and using a cloth dampened with water only, it is wiped to remove soap residue stuck on it, and to clean the brush cover, mix a little vinegar with a little of water in a bowl, and the cover is soaked in this solution for about 15 to 30 minutes, then washed with water well, after which the holder is dried from the inside using a hair dryer, taking into account that the temperature is low, before connecting the brush to electricity, and it is worth noting that Do not place the electric toothbrush in the dishwasher.

How to store a toothbrush

The process of storing toothbrushes is one of the important things that must be taken into account properly, as it is forbidden to put the toothbrush after use in a dirty or closed place: such as a cabinet or drawer, but rather it must be placed upright in a well-ventilated place, which helps to dry it and prevent the formation of toothbrushes. Moisture that may cause mold, and promote the multiplication of bacteria on it, which causes several problems such as gingivitis. It is also recommended to keep the toothbrush in a place far from the toilet, in order to avoid the particles emitted from it reaching it, which leads to its contamination.

Toothbrush tips

Toothbrush hygiene can be maintained by following the following:

• Replace the toothbrush if the mouth is infected with bacteria or fungi, once at the start of treatment, and once at the end of it.
• The life of the brush varies according to the manufacturer, but it must be changed approximately every 3-4 months, unless the brush bristles are damaged, such as a change in color or shape, then the brush must be replaced with a new one immediately.
• Avoid using other people's toothbrushes, especially children's brushes, in order to prevent the transmission of oral bacteria from one person to another, which causes harm to him.
• Keeping toothbrushes in a closed case when traveling, in order to prevent bacteria from picking up and accumulating, taking into account avoiding keeping them when they are wet. Rather, you must wait until they are completely dry, in addition to maintaining the cleanliness of the case by using mouthwashes that contain the best antibacterial materials, such as: Chlorhexidine.
• Avoid keeping the toothbrush in cleaning solutions, which may lead to contamination of the brushes as a result of being used by more than one person. Rather, it must be kept in a holder for toothbrushes, taking into account the separation of the brushes from each other in it, to ensure that bacteria and liquids do not transfer between them.
• In the event that a sick person is present at home, it must be taken into account that the infection does not spread, or the disease returns after it ends, so it is preferable to replace the sick person’s toothbrush with a new one, or soak it with an antibacterial mouthwash for ten minutes.
• Follow the necessary procedures to maintain the health of people with weak immunity in particular, by cleansing the mouth, and washing the toothbrush before use, in order to reduce the transmission of germs from the mouth and their accumulation on the brush.
• Taking care of the cleanliness of the toothbrushes of people who wear the orthodontic device, by cleaning the mouth with an antibacterial rinse before using the brush, as the wires are more likely to accumulate and collect germs in the mouth, and certain tools can be used to remove food residues and dirt stuck between the wires and teeth.
• Preserving the plastic cover of the toothbrush bristles from pollution, by cleaning it well with soap and water, with the brush must be dried as much as possible before covering it.
• Use sterile wipes to clean the bathroom surfaces on which the toothbrush holder is placed.

Note: The human body is highly susceptible to infection with microbes and germs, which it fights through its defense system represented by mucous membranes, skin, and antibodies, so the American Dental Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and some health professionals advise against the need to clean and sterilize the brush, as they see it as a matter Harmful and useless, because the use of microwaves, dishwashers, or ultraviolet sterilizers to clean the brush may lead to a decrease in its effectiveness by weakening and damaging its bristles, and the use of the same sterilization solution by several people leads to an exchange of contamination among them.