In the busyness of life, we can forget all of the potential hazards we come across on a daily basis. Sometimes the urgency of the moment places “rule-of-thumb” tips on the back burner. While it is important to deal with the immediate emergencies, the “little” details can pile up and sometimes knock you off your feet. A preventable common cold can live and thrive in certain environments. When it comes to eliminating viruses in your household, look no further than your trusty toothbrush.

  • Experts recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. One of the main reasons for this is not just for avoiding germs, but also to keep your toothbrush in the best shape.
  • Avoid high-heat sterilization techniques like the microwave and dishwasher, as this can damage the brush altogether.
  • Replace your toothbrush when you or someone else in your house is sick- especially when the toothbrushes are corralled together in one unit.
  • Let your toothbrush dry out before use. It is also important to not store a toothbrush in a closed container where mold, moisture and bacteria can proliferate.
  • Store upright to dry and rinse with warm water.

Any further sterilization techniques like soaking a toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth rinse or toothbrush sanitizer have not shown clinical evidence that it truly does remove germs.