Home » How Often Should You Sanitize Your Toothbrush?

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Sanitizing your toothbrush just makes sense. Bacteria thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom. Researchers have found more than 10,0000,000 types of bacteria growing on a single toothbrush. Studies have shown that this bacterium reproduces growth, which doubles every 20 minutes.

The American Dental Association and most dentists recommend changing toothbrushes only every 3 to 4 months; however it is of the utmost importance to sanitize your toothbrush every day.

Harmful bacteria and viruses residing on your toothbrush are commonly transferred to your mouth every time you brush. Research has shown that unsanitized toothbrushes in a moist environment like your bathroom become a hotbed for the proliferation of germs and harmful bacteria that are linked to a host of illnesses and diseases. Because toothbrushes harbor these bacteria they can re-infect your mouth and thus your body every time you brush. These bacteria infect more than 7 million Americans a year making them feel as if they've been struck with the flu or worse.

Even if you're a "clean freak", bathrooms are such a breeding ground for germs that it is near impossible for them to be bacteria-free. Studies have found that flushing a toilet sprays a super fine mist 20 feet into the air, which sends millions of tiny bacteria (such as salmonella and E. Coli) all over your bathroom. Harmful bacteria and viruses then reside on your toothbrush and are transferred to your mouth every time you brush. Even the best-rinsed toothbrush harbors these unhealthy bacteria.

Toothbrush-to-toothbrush contamination has been shown to be a major contributor to the spread of infections within your home. Diabetics, others with chronic diseases and immunosuppressed individuals as well as individuals who are elderly, young children and pregnant mothers need to be very careful about tooth health and the roll that germs can actually play in spreading diseases in the average American household. It's been reported that as much as sixty-five percent of colds are caught in the home by infecting and re-infecting the persons living there.

There are many home remedies for sanitizing your toothbrush,  if you choose to proceed along those lines.  Solutions of water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, mouthwash, alcohol or even bleach will work to a point.   Other tricks to clean a toothbrush have been to put it in the dishwasher or the washing machine when you wash your next load.  None of these treatments, to me, sound like they are very sure or sanitary.

 

I've discovered what I believe to be the best solution--the Germ Terminator.  After researching several different brands, it seems to be the best clinically tested, with the most proven germ killing results of all the toothbrush sanitizers on the market today. 

When you think of all the strains of bacteria living on your toothbrush do you really want to put it in your mouth? Germs and bacteria are just a way of life. It's up to the individual to do the best they can to protect themselves and their families from the growth and spread of harmful bacteria. Sanitization just equals good health.

Ruth Walby

I understand how you feel about caring for you family because I feel the same way.