Are You Protected from “The Flush”?
Every time you flush your toilet a “toilet plume” is formed, which creates an airborne dispersal of microscopic particles. “The flush” produces both aerosol droplets that mix with the air in the room and larger droplets that land on and contaminate surrounding surfaces. Because of this, it is recommended that you keep your toothbrush at least six feet away from the toilet.
Toothbrushes need to be maintained to help keep teeth and gums healthy. Toothbrush storage is vital for maintaining cleanliness for your oral care.
Here are a few tips for storing your toothbrush at home and while traveling so that your toothbrush can work hard to help you keep your mouth healthy.
Use holders made for toothbrushes
The best way to store your toothbrush is to use a holder made for this purpose. Do not you use random household items like plastic bags, pieces of toilet paper, or foil. Toothbrush holders should have air holes to ensure proper drying, and will not damage the bristles as makeshift covers do.
Let your toothbrush dry completely
Air is essential for toothbrushes. You may assume that keeping tight covers on your toothbrushes or hiding them away in a cabinet or drawer keeps them away from bacteria. However, if there isn’t enough air to dry your toothbrush, it may grow more bacteria stored in a damp area. Cabinets or drawers can be good places to store them as long as there is enough air to dry it after use.
How to store toothbrush when traveling
Before you go on a trip, invest in a travel toothbrush cap or a portable holder to keep the toothbrush head protected from other items in your travel bag. However, don’t store the toothbrush forever like this. A toothbrush builds up bacteria even if it isn’t used frequently. Every toothbrush, travel or not, needs to be replaced every three months.
Where should you keep your toothbrush holder?
Keep your toothbrush holder away from the toilet and sink. By keeping your toothbrush at least 6 feet from your toilet and closing the lid before you flush, you can help reduce the amount of bacteria that may land on them. Keeping the toothbrush away from the sink will keep them more sanitary by not having water, soap or bacteria splash on them. You could invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or a holder with a lid (as long as there is enough airflow to dry the toothbrush) or us the medicine cabinet.
Don’t share toothbrushes
Ensure that each family member has their own unique toothbrush, so you don’t mistake another toothbrush for yours. Even toothbrushes that are cleaned frequently shouldn’t be used among multiple people because it increases infection risk. Store toothbrushes away from each other too, so bacteria can’t spread across toothbrushes.
Clean your toothbrush holder frequently
Regularly cleaning your toothbrush will help keep it free from dust, germs, and dried toothpaste. Depending on the holder, you could put it in the dishwasher, wipe-down with sanitizing wipes, or use soap and water.
