Written By Dr. Jai Mistry / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to maintain good oral health and to stop the spread of germs within your home. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, weakening your immune system, and leaving you more susceptible to dangerous viruses like COVID-19. 

As the world faces a global pandemic, there are many precautions that everyone can take to safeguard themselves and their loved ones against viral transmission. One easy way to stay healthy is to ensure that you keep your toothbrush clean and free from harmful microbes. 

Learn how to use, clean, and maintain your toothbrush to minimize your chances of catching or passing on coronavirus. 

How is COVID-19 Transmitted?

Research suggests that coronavirus spreads through droplets from someone’s respiratory tract. It can be passed from one person to another in saliva or nasal discharge found on hands, and when talking, sneezing, or coughing. You can also catch COVID-19 from coming into direct contact with a contaminated item or surface. 

To prevent spreading the virus in your home, you must clean your toothbrush thoroughly before and after use. If you have coronavirus, you’ll transfer harmful microbes to your toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth. 

It is important to remember that a substantial portion of people that catch coronavirus are asymptomatic. So, even if you feel fine, take the extra time and effort to prioritize toothbrush safety. 

It is also important to regularly consult your dentist in Wigston if you are experiencing dental problems or for advice on toothbrush safety.

How to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Free From Harmful Germs for toothbrush safety

There are several measures you can take to ensure that your toothbrush is safe for use. 

Move Your Toothbrush Away From the Others for toothbrush safety

If you and your family or flat mates share a toothbrush-holder, this is a potential site for viral transmission. You might transfer harmful germs to your toothbrush as you clean your teeth, and then place the toothbrush in the holder where those germs might move to other brushes. 

For better hygiene, use a toothbrush protector cap and keep your toothbrush in a different location. Assign separate cups or holders for each member of the household, or keep your toothbrush in your bedroom on your nightstand.

Don’t Share Your Toothbrush With Anyone for toothbrush safety

Make sure that your kids are fully aware of the importance of being the sole user of their toothbrush. To make it easier for them to recognize their personal toothbrush, consider writing their names on them, or buying toothbrushes with different patterns or characters for each child. 

If it’s Dirty, Throw It Away for safety

If you have a manual toothbrush, it’s best to replace it around three times a year as the bristles will lose their effectiveness after a few months. This can lead to tooth and gum problems. 

If you are ill, use your existing toothbrush to clean your teeth while you self-isolate for 14 days. Then, once you’re better, dispose of it carefully by placing it in a sealed Ziploc bag and placing it in the trash. 

Use Cotton Buds to Transfer Toothpaste for toothbrush safety

If you share toothpaste, avoid bringing your toothbrush into contact with any part of the tube. Press the toothpaste onto the tip of a cotton bud or coffee stirrer before applying it to the toothbrush. This action ensures you’re not exchanging mouth secretions with anyone else. 

Thoroughly Wash Your Hands for toothbrush safety

You should wash and sanitize your hands as much as possible during the pandemic. This is one of the simplest methods for killing harmful germs and preventing viral transmission. 

When it comes to brushing your teeth, this practice of hand-washing becomes even more crucial. When you use your toothbrush, you’re bringing your hands up close to your mouth, and so are more likely to pass germs into your respiratory tract.

If your hands have picked up harmful microbes from a contaminated surface, then you run the risk of accidental transfer.

Ensure you sanitize and wash your hands before and after brushing or using mouthwash. Clean them with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds. 

Sanitize Your Toothbrush Daily for safety

In general, hot running water is enough to get your toothbrush clean after each use. However, during the pandemic experts recommend that you sanitize your toothbrush regularly to eliminate harmful microbes that hot water won’t kill.

There are three simple ways to eliminate pathogens on your toothbrush. Soak in antibacterial mouthwash or a dilute three percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Or, combine two teaspoons of baking soda in a cup of warm water and soak overnight.

The Takeaway for toothbrush safety

It’s imperative that everyone maintains proper oral hygiene and uses clean, regularly sanitized toothbrushes during this global pandemic. 

When it comes to oral healthcare and teeth-brushing, there are plenty of ways to keep your toothbrush safe and minimize the likelihood of harmful germ transmission among your loved ones and within your own home.

Looking for a 100% all-natural liquid tooth oil and mouth rinse? Check out OraMD Original Strength and OraMD Extra Strength. Subscribe to our Trusted Health Club newsletter for more information about natural living tips, natural health, oral care, skincare, body care and foot care. If you are looking for more health resources check out the Trusted Health Resources list. 

Written By:         
Dr. Jai Mistry is the Principal Dentist at The Dental & Cosmetic Clinic with a keen interest in facial aesthetics, surgical and prosthodontic implantology and Invisalign™. In his spare time, Jai can be found supporting Leicester Football Club, spending time with his young son, family and friends.

Reviewed By:    

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Image by Jenny Friedrichs from Pixabay