The Best Ways To Store Your Toothbrush

You brush your teeth twice a day, but did you know that the way you store your toothbrush affects how well it cleans your teeth? Many people focus on brushing technique and toothpaste choices, yet overlook one simple habit that can make or break their oral hygiene.

If you're storing your toothbrush incorrectly, you could be putting yourself at risk for developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. (Despite your best efforts to keep your teeth clean!)

In this blog post, we're diving deep into the often-overlooked world of toothbrush storage and exploring the best practices for storing your toothbrush to ensure it remains clean and free from harmful bacteria.

Why Is Toothbrush Storage Important?

Fun Fact: According to researchers, there can be as many as 1.2 million bacteria on a single toothbrush. Researchers also found the flu virus, staph bacteria, E. coli, yeast fungus, and strep virus hanging out on used toothbrushes.

Many people simply toss their toothbrushes into a cup or leave them lying on the bathroom counter after brushing their teeth. This exposes your toothbrush to even more bacteria, so here are a few reasons why you should store your toothbrush correctly:

• Prevent The Growth Of Harmful Bacteria: Your toothbrush is exposed to a lot of bacteria throughout the day, and if you don't store it properly, those bacteria can grow and multiply on the bristles.
• Keep Your Toothbrush Clean: Proper storage ensures your toothbrush remains free from contaminants such as bathroom germs, countertop debris, or particles from other toothbrushes stored too closely together. (Clean bristles = cleaner teeth!)
• Extend The Life Of Your Toothbrush: The bristles bend, fray, and become misshapen much faster when they are not stored properly. Such as being crushed in a drawer or kept in an airtight container where they stay wet.

Your toothbrush is already exposed to a lot of bacteria when you brush your teeth throughout the day, and if you don't store it correctly, you could be exposing yourself to even more bacteria. This buildup can lead to many oral health problems, including:

• Cavities: Bacteria can produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities that can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.
• Gum Disease: Harmful bacteria can easily irritate and inflame the gums. If this continues over time, it can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Bad Breath: Bacteria on the bristles can also cause bad breath by releasing volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which are a strong, unpleasant odor.

And remember that even if you take good care of your toothbrush, the bristles will eventually wear down and become less effective. So replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or worn out.

Summary: The way you store your toothbrush can have a significant impact on its cleanliness and effectiveness. Proper toothbrush storage helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria on the bristles, reducing the risk of developing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.

Photo: © Serhii Ivashchuk and Vladdeep via Getty Images

What Are The Best Ways To Store Toothbrush?

How you store your toothbrush is just as important as how often or how well you brush your teeth. If you don't store your toothbrush correctly, bacteria can grow on the bristles and re-enter your mouth the next time you brush.

Here are some tips for storing your toothbrush in the best possible way:

• Clean Your Toothbrush After Each Use: Before storing your toothbrush, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing to remove any debris or toothpaste residue.
• Store Your Toothbrush Upright: This will help gravity to effectively do its job and dry out your toothbrush faster, which is important for preventing the growth of bacteria.
• Store Your Toothbrush In A Clean And Dry Area: And avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container because it can trap moisture and encourage the growth of bacteria.
• Avoid Overcrowding Toothbrushes: To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, make sure that each toothbrush has its designated space within the holder or has its own toothbrush holder.
• Clean Your Toothbrush Holder Regularly: According to The National Sanitation Foundation, a toothbrush holder is the dirtiest thing in the bathroom. So clean it helps prevent the spread of bacteria.

You can further minimize bacteria exposure by storing your toothbrush in a far corner of the bathroom or at least six feet away from the toilet, and always make sure it doesn't touch any other toothbrushes in your toothbrush holder.

Summary: The best way to store your toothbrush is to keep it upright in a clean and dry toothbrush holder. This allows the bristles to air dry and prevents moisture from accumulating on the brush. Additionally, it is important to keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes to prevent the spread of bacteria and cross-contamination.

Photo: © pixelshot via canva.com

Why Do You Need A Toothbrush Case?

Fun Myth: Using a closed toothbrush holder and covering your toothbrush can make it safer and cleaner.

Reality: Covering your toothbrush can actually do more harm than good. A closed container traps moisture, creating the perfect warm, damp environment for bacteria, mold, and even mildew to grow. (Toothbrushes need air circulation to dry properly, which helps prevent bacterial buildup between uses!)

However, if you travel frequently or if you have a young child who is likely to drop their toothbrush, a toothbrush case can help to protect the bristles from contamination.

Also, toothbrush cases are a good option for storing your toothbrush in dorms, hostels, campsites, or public restrooms. Just be sure to let it air dry between uses once you’re home.

When you need to bring your toothbrush and toothpaste with you for a traveling trip, then a bamboo toothbrush case is an ideal accessory. It not only protects your toothbrush from dirt and dust in your luggage but also prevents unnecessary damage or bacteria buildup while traveling.

Summary: You most likely don't need to use a closed toothbrush holder when storing your toothbrush at home. However, if you travel frequently or have young children, a toothbrush case can help protect the bristles from bacteria buildup or unnecessary damage.

Quick Takeaway

Proper toothbrush storage is just as important as brushing itself. To keep your toothbrush clean, effective, and free from harmful bacteria, remember to:

• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use to remove leftover toothpaste and debris.
• Avoid covering the bristles because airflow is essential for preventing bacterial growth.
• Store your toothbrush upright to allow it to air-dry quickly.
• Give each toothbrush its own space to prevent overcrowding and cross-contamination.
• (Optional but recommended!) Clean your toothbrush holder regularly, since it’s one of the dirtiest items in the bathroom.

By following these simple practices, you’ll not only extend the life of your toothbrush but also support better oral hygiene and protect yourself from unnecessary exposure to bacteria. (Clean bristles = cleaner teeth!)

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: Why doesn't plaque grow on toothbrushes?

Answer: According to the Cleveland Clinic, plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. It can cause cavities and gum disease. However, plaque cannot grow on toothbrushes because the bristles are too dry.

Question #2: Is it better to store your toothbrush in the open or in a closed container?

Answer: As you may already be aware, it's important to allow your toothbrush to air dry after each use. By keeping your toothbrush in a closed container, you create an environment for microbes and bacteria to thrive and multiply on your toothbrush.

Question #3: Can I store my toothbrush in a travel case?

Answer: Yes, in fact, many dentists recommend storing your toothbrush in a travel case when traveling to protect it from dirt and dust in the luggage. However, make sure to clean the toothbrush case regularly and allow the toothbrush to air dry before storing it in the case.

Question #4: How far away should I keep my toothbrush from the toilet?

Answer: According to Life Dental Group, fecal particles can become airborne and land on your toothbrush if it’s located within 6 feet of the toilet (possibly even further if your toilet has a strong flush). Shutting the toilet lid can help, but it's best to keep your toothbrushes as far away from the toilet as possible.