How to Clean or Disinfect My Child’s Toothbrush?

Many parents worry about the health of their child’s teeth and gums, but fewer think about the cleanliness of their child’s toothbrush. Just how much bacteria from a child’s mouth takes up residence on a toothbrush?

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Can You Get Sick from Your Toothbrush?

The simplest answer to this question is: maybe. Research from the American Dental Association shows that some harmful bacteria can sometimes make it onto your child’s toothbrush. However, the research also points out that not many people become ill from this exposure. In fact, the only time most dentists advise sanitizing a toothbrush is when someone in the home has had a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection such as strep throat or thrush. Still, just the thought of disgusting germs growing on a toothbrush may make you inclined to clean them on a regular basis. Or maybe just get rid of them altogether! Don’t worry, there are several ways to ensure that your family’s toothbrushes are clean and safe.

Related: Should My Child Use an Electric Toothrbush?

How to Clean or Disinfect My Child’s Toothbrush?

Here are a few simple and safe ways to disinfect a toothbrush.

• Hydrogen Peroxide. You can soak your toothbrush weekly in a container filled with hydrogen peroxide. It’s best to let it soak overnight. Be sure to rinse before using the brush in the morning.
• Antibacterial Mouthwash. You can soak your child’s toothbrush in a small amount of mouthwash nightly. One benefit to this is that the brush tastes fresh every morning.
• Rubbing Alcohol. You can give your brush a quick soak in a bit of rubbing alcohol. However, be sure to rinse with clean water thoroughly. The taste and smell of rubbing alcohol might make your child’s dental care routine unpleasant.
• UV Toothbrush Cleaner. Some people like the idea of a high tech and easy UV light toothbrush sterilizer. While research shows that these products do kill bacteria, they are not effective at removing all the bacteria from a toothbrush. Also, the UV light tends to degrade plastic bristles, so be sure to check your child’s toothbrush regularly for wear.

Can You Disinfect a Toothbrush Naturally?

Many people are touting the effectiveness of essential oils in household sanitizing purposes. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be ingested. So it’s most likely not a good idea to use undiluted essential oils on your child’s toothbrush.

Related: 4 Children’s Toothpaste Flavors That Make Brushing Fun

What Is the Best Way to Keep a Toothbrush Clean?

Again, sanitizing toothbrushes is not a necessary practice per most dental professionals. Toothbrushes should be rinsed thoroughly with clean tap water after use to remove any food particles or toothpaste remnants. After rinsing, brushes should be allowed to dry in the open air. Keeping wet toothbrushes in dark or damp spaces may lead to harmful bacterial growth. If you are concerned about any nasty germs that may be sprayed from a flushing toilet, be sure to keep your brushes away from the commode and always flush with the lid closed.

How Often to Replace a Toothbrush?

Every toothbrush manufacturer has different suggestions for when you should replace your toothbrush with a new one. Dentists tend to recommend their patients have a new toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, whether or not you regularly disinfect them. This is because bristles on the brush become worn and frayed, resulting in less than optimal cleaning of your teeth.

Remember, dentists advise that toothbrushes do not need to be specially cleaned. If you choose to disinfect your child’s toothbrush, be sure that you’re doing it in a safe manner, using one of the options listed above.