5 Tips On Using A Toothbrush Holder

Can you guess where is the dirtiest room in your house? You might immediately think of the bathroom, but according to a 2011 study done by the National Sanitation Foundation to determine where is the dirtiest room in the house.

They found that the bathroom is not the dirtiest place in the house. It's in fact the kitchen that has the most germs. The areas in which food is prepared actually contain more bacteria and fecal contamination than many other places in the house.

But here’s the surprising part: In this same study, they also discovered that the dirtiest item in the bathroom is actually the toothbrush holder, not the toilet seat or the bathroom doorknob.

Improper toothbrush storage doesn’t just sound gross, it can actually increase the risk of spreading germs and negatively affect your dental hygiene. While a toothbrush holder may seem like a simple bathroom accessory, it plays a crucial role in keeping your toothbrush clean, reducing cross-contamination, and keeping your daily routine more organized.

That is why in today's blog, I'm going to share with you my 5 practical tips on using a toothbrush holder to store your toothbrush, so your toothbrush can be safe from the dirtiest thing in your bathroom!

Tip #1: Rinse Your Toothbrush With Water After Brushing

Toothbrush holders are often damp, rarely cleaned, and positioned very close to the toilet, making them the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast.

So before you put your toothbrush on the holder, there's an important tip to remember: Make sure to clean both your toothbrush and the mess you left behind after brushing your teeth. Not only will it make your bathroom look clean, but it will also ensure your toothbrush remains hygienic.

By rinsing your toothbrush with water, you'll get rid of the excess toothpaste along with food particles and bacteria still stuck on it. Additionally, washing away the post-brushing mess and removes any unnecessary smell from your toothbrush.

And remember to shake off excess water on your toothbrush before placing it back in the holder to reduce water buildup.

Summary: After brushing your teeth, take a moment to rinse your toothbrush with water. This simple step will remove any remaining toothpaste and bacteria from the toothbrush bristles. Not only does it make your toothbrush look cleaner, but it also eliminates any unnecessary odors from your toothbrush.

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Tip #2: Store Your Toothbrush Upright

After you're finished rinsing your toothbrush, you'll want to shake off any excess water left on your toothbrush. Then stand it upright to let it air dry!

By letting gravity to effectively do its job, you'll help water naturally drain away from your toothbrush, aiding in faster drying. This method is extremely effective in preventing the buildup of moisture, which can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Additionally, upright storage prevents bristle damage and keeps your toothbrushes in good condition, which ensures that you maximize your brushing session every time.

Fun Fact: According to Life Dental Group, your toothbrush can harbor up to 10 million bacteria of various strains, including fecal particles if it's stored near a toilet. (Which you then put in your mouth when brushing!)

For this reason, most people also try to keep their toothbrushes inside the medicine cabinet, but you can simply avoid this problem by closing the lid before flushing.

Summary: It is recommended to store your toothbrush in an upright position to allow gravity to pull trapped bacteria and water away from the bristles, which helps proper air circulation and reduces the risk of bacterial growth.

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Tip #3: Have Your Own Toothbrush Holder – Don’t Share With Anyone!

While it might seem harmless or even romantic for couples and family members to share a toothbrush holder together, in reality, this leads to the spread of harmful germs and bacteria.

Overcrowding toothbrushes in a single holder increases the risk of cross-contamination, which then can lead to tooth decay, gum issues, and even illnesses.

Fun Fact: Many dentist recommends replacing any toothbrush that comes into contact with someone else’s, especially if that person is sick, to prevent the spread of illness. (This applies to both toothbrush sharing and contact through a shared holder!)

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, make sure that each toothbrush has its own designated space within the holder or have your own toothbrush holder. This simple practice will help maintain personal hygiene and minimize the risk of spreading germs.

Summary: While sharing can be helpful and is encouraged in many situations, when it comes to spreading germs and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay or illness within your family, it's best to avoid sharing. By having your own toothbrush holder, you can prevent the transmission of germs and bacteria that may cause tooth decay or sickness to your loved ones.

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Tip # 4: Don’t Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed Holder

As you may already be aware in tip #2, it's important to allow your toothbrush to air dry completely after each use.

So why store your soaking wet toothbrush in a closed container that traps moisture, slowing down the drying process and creating the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and yeast to thrive?

By keeping your toothbrush in the open air, it will:

• Dry Faster: Air circulation helps moisture evaporate quickly.
• Reduced Bacterial Growth: A dry environment is far less hospitable to microbes.
• Fresher Bristles: Prevents musty smells and keeps your toothbrush feeling clean.

For everyday use, choose a toothbrush holder that allows your brush to breathe, and don't buy/use a closed toothbrush holder!

Pro Tip: If you travel frequently, using a toothbrush case can be essential to keep your brush protected from contact with other items in your bag. However, always make sure your toothbrush is completely dry before storing it.

(Read this guide to discover the best way to store your toothbrush)

Summary: Covering your toothbrush or storing it in a closed container while it’s still wet can actually encourage more bacterial growth than leaving it uncovered in open air. For a cleaner, fresher toothbrush, store it upright in an open holder that allows proper airflow.

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Tip #5: Clean Your Toothbrush Holder Every Three Months

If you’ve been following this blog from the start, you'll also know that the toothbrush holder is often the dirtiest item in the bathroom, even dirtier than the toilet seat or the faucet handle.

So why not clean regularly to reduce the number of germs living there, and also help reduce germs from spreading. (Totally commonsense, right?)

When you store your toothbrush in the holder after brushing, it is usually still wet. Gravity will do its job, so the liquid will drip down the handle and collect water and bacteria at the bottom of a toothbrush holder.

If left uncleaned, your toothbrush holder can become a breeding ground for germs that may transfer back onto your toothbrush and into your mouth!

Summary: Your toothbrush holder is usually the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, so it makes sense for you to clean it. By doing so, you'll reduce unnecessary germs and harmful bacteria living there.

Quick Takeaway

Here are 5 important tips for using a toothbrush holder to store your toothbrush safely and prevent the spread of germs:

Tip #1. Rinse Your Toothbrush With Water After Brushing: By rinsing your toothbrush with water, you can eliminate any leftover toothpaste and bacteria, keeping your toothbrush clean and odor-free.

Tip #2. Store Your Toothbrush Upright: After rinsing your toothbrush, shake off excess water and store it upright. This allows gravity to help dry faster and prevents moisture buildup, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

Tip #3. Have Your Own Toothbrush Holder – Don't Share With Anyone: Sharing toothbrush holders can lead to the spread of germs and bacteria. Ensure each toothbrush has its own designated space, or consider using separate toothbrush holders to maintain personal hygiene.

Tip #4. Don't Store Your Toothbrush In A Closed Holder: Closed toothbrush holders create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth. Opt for holders that allow your toothbrush to air dry and avoid closed containers.

Tip # 5. Clean Your Toothbrush Holder Every Three Months: Since toothbrush holders tend to accumulate bacteria and germs, regular cleaning every three months is essential. By doing so, you can reduce the presence of harmful bacteria and prevent their spread.

By following these tips, you can effectively maintain dental hygiene and keep your toothbrush safe from the dirtiest item in your bathroom, the toothbrush holder.

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: Why use a toothbrush holder?

Answer: A toothbrush holder can help keep your toothbrush clean and organized. This not only helps prevent the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush, but also makes it easier for you to find your toothbrush when you need it.

Question #2: How do I keep my toothbrush holder clean?

Answer: To help keep your toothbrush holder clean, you can rinse and wash your toothbrush holder with soap once every three months or every time you change your toothbrush (depending on how dirty it is) to remove any bacteria that may have built up.

Question #3: Where should I place my toothbrush holder?

Answer: You should place your toothbrush holder in a place where it is easy to reach and access for brushing your teeth. Also, if possible, in a dry place far from the toilet to help prevent the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush bristles.

Question #4: Can I share a toothbrush holder with someone else?

Answer: While it’s possible to share your toothbrush holder with someone else in your family, it’s recommended to have separate holders for each person to minimize the risk of cross-contamination and the spread of sickness.