Are you the kind of person who plans out everything in your home? If so, you probably have an idea of how to organize your rooms for optimal comfort. However, have you thought about where your toothbrush goes? It’s a simple question, but without a clear answer, you could be putting your oral health at risk.
If you want to learn more about proper toothbrush storage, and the potential consequences to your health, continue reading.
What’s the Big Deal About Storing a Toothbrush?
There are few items in your house that you use more often or intimately than your toothbrush. Every morning and every night, you’re putting it in your mouth to clean your pearly whites. So, what if your toothbrush were contaminated with harmful bacteria or mold that you can’t see?
It’s easy to ignore microscopic threats to your health. However, if the bristles on your toothbrush glowed neon green when they were covered in germs, you might think twice.
So, How Should I Store My Toothbrush?
There are several ways to optimize how and where your toothbrush is set every night. Here are some of the best ways to keep it clean and functional:
Store it Standing Up
When you’ve finished using your toothbrush, shake off any excess water and store it in a vertical position. This position also helps keep bacteria on the countertop off the brush and lets it air dry better.
Store it in the Open
Stashing your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet is a common way to reduce the visible clutter on your sink. However, without air to circulate and help dry out the bristles, you create a good environment for bacteria and even mold to grow! Grab a nice holder for your brush so it has an attractive place to rest and dry out.
Store it with a Cover
Placing a well-ventilated over the bristles of your brush can help keep airborne bacteria and droplets off of it.
Store it Away from the Toilet
Speaking of droplets, your toilet is the number one germ pollutant in your bathroom. Whenever you flush, it sprays a fine mist into the air up to three feet from the bowl! Putting the seat down can help, but it’s best to keep your toothbrush as far away from the porcelain throne as possible.
The placement of your toothbrush matters. Your bathroom is often teeming with unseen threats to your health, and your toothbrush is a convenient transport they can use to infect you. So, follow these small, but impactful tips and you’ll see an improvement in the quality of your brushing experience and your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. J.D. Robison is a passionate dentist who holistically approaches oral health to fulfill smile goals. He studied at Purdue University, University of Michigan and University of Detroit Mercy to earn his dental doctorate and then went on to the prestigious Dawson Center for Advanced Dental Studies to gain advanced training in multiple fields. Call (734) 453-6320 to schedule an appointment at Robison Dental Group, or visit the website to learn more.