Doing this to your toothbrush could increase gross germs and bacteria

It’s well established that our mouths are filthy and our toothbrushes are germ bombs.

In the battle for oral health, toothbrush covers seem to serve a noble purpose: protecting us from poo particles. These covers are supposed to keep us safe from the so-called ‘splash zone’ of the bathroom, where fecal matter can transfer to the bristles of our brushes.

But the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that toothbrush covers may not be the bacteria barriers we hoped for, and are likely keeping germs in, rather than out.

The ADA’s advice echoes a 2015 Quinnipiac University study that found toothbrush covers did not protect toothbrushes from bacterial growth but rather created an environment that fostered it by keeping bristles moist and preventing the head of the toothbrush from drying between uses.

If the idea of poo particle contamination is troubling to you, consider keeping the toiled lid closed and storing your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet where it can dry properly.

A dry toothbrush is so important to maintaining optimal oral health that experts recommend keeping two in your rotation, one for the evening and one for the morning so the brushes have 24 hours to dry between uses.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest a regimen of brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes and flossing at least once daily. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning teeth than their manual counterparts, and many come with built-in timers that ensure users are brushing for the recommended two minutes.

Dentists also recommend spitting but not swishing with water after brushing to ensure the active ingredients in toothpaste stay on target.

Proper oral health has been linked to a wealth of benefits including longevity, Alzheimer’s prevention, low blood pressure and a lower risk of heart disease.

Yet, experts agree there are three times when cleaning your chompers is not advisable, namely 30 to 60 minutes after vomiting, eating breakfast or consuming sweets when pH levels in the mouth are high enough to compromise enamel.

For those who are ditching their toothbrush covers and looking for a better way to keep their bristles clean, a TikTok doc suggests washing your toothbrush with soap and water each night and giving it a weekly soak in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash to battle back bacteria.