Tips for Storing Toothbrushes

By Derrick (Guest Post)

Yes. I have been using this for ages. I think its the most inexpensive way to store your toothbrush. And it has some pretty awesome designs, especially if you like animals.
http://www.myflipperusa.com

By Laura (Guest Post)

I agree with Jo on this one. What will they think of next? If you are not exposed to germs, you will not have any resistance to them! There are way too many products that are anti-bacterial. Trying to find something that is just normal and not anti-bacterial in the store anymore is really getting hard. Now they are putting teflon into things! Remember the big push for PH balanced shampoo? That didn't last long. I was told that sure, it balances your hair while it's in there, but then you have to rinse it out and the PH of the water you use is the deciding factor of where your hair is left at, not the shampoo. Makes sense. Life is undated with advertising of all kinds...beware. Toothbrushes need air and to dry well, to keep them healthy.

By Cheryl (Guest Post)

My husband says that using a fresh towel and wash cloth after bathing is a waste. That you can use the same towel and wash cloth for up to a week. I say he's incorrect.

By Joanne (Guest Post)

I recently saw a show on TV that did an experiment on where to keep your tooth brush stored (regarding the bacteria scare that you're talking about).
They put toothbrushes all over the place in a bathroom and also out of the bathroom. The results showed that none of the toothbrushes stored inside or out of the bathroom had enough bacteria to cause any concerns.
They suggested changing your toothbrush every 3 months.

By

galthomas

I keep my toothbrushes in a glass filled to above the bristles in a mixture of 1/3 bleach 2/3 water. This also helps kill the germs from your mouth, colds, etc. Bleach is supposed to be the ONLY thing that really kills germs. The bleach has to stay in contact for at least 5 minutes but I just leave them there until needed again. (won't eat the brush or bristles)

By Jo Bodey (Guest Post)

Don't be sucked in by products to 'sterilize' toothbrushes tjacali - there is no such thing as a sterile toothbrush in the home, even when its from a newly opened packet! The only conceivable way a toothbrush could be contaminated with pathogens from the toilet is from your hands - which presumably you wash after using the toilet!! Neither is it necessary to sterilize a toothbrush. Our skin and mouths are teeming with bacteria but only a minute proportion are pathogenic, (able to cause disease). Rinsing your brush with hot water and leaving upright to drain/dry between use is all that is necessary.

I find it very annoying to read adverts persuading us we are not good homemakers, parents, etc., if we don't protect our families from 'germs' by buying product X to 'sterilize' our bathrooms and kitchens. Basic rules of good hygiene like handwashing and safe food preparation are all that is needed. The overuse of bacteriocidal products are breeding ever more resistant bugs. The body is perfectly able to protect itself from harmful bacteria, e.g. the acid in our stomach kills many, the skin is a natural barrier to infection, our immune system, etc. Unless you have a break in your skin integrity like a wound where bacteria can enter, a clean towel is perfectly adequate. Hang between use to dry thoroughly to reduce the harmless bacteria if you are worried.

Sorry this is so long but as you can tell I feel strongly about advertising playing on people's fears to sell more of their, possibly useless, products.

By John (Guest Post)

I keep my toothbrush in medicine cabinet above the sink. Never even thought of splashing from the toilet, though. I am more worried about one of my daughters getting some nasty hair product on it.

By Mara (Guest Post)

I have heard this also but just keep your toothbrush stored away from the toilet and switch it every 3 months and you should be ok. Supposedly, when you flush the toilet the water sprays up onto counter tops and whatever is on there.So, keep everything away from the toilet and disinfect the counter top for safety. I have also heard of people putting their toothbrush in mouthwash to disinfect.