How can I keep my toothbrush clean and which type should I choose?

[pokk]

Instead of loading just before brushing should I load the toothbrush just after brushing & let it sit coated with toothpaste so to= 1-kill germs? 2-lose the potency of the toothpaste to the airwash unless i cover with a plastic casing & 3- whatever I didnt think of...thanx

 

[berkeman]

Instead of loading just before brushing should I load the toothbrush just after brushing & let it sit coated with toothpaste so to= 1-kill germs? 2-lose the potency of the toothpaste to the airwash unless i cover with a plastic casing & 3- whatever I didnt think of...thanx

If pre-loading it and letting it set for a while were the best way to do it, that would be listed as directions on the toothpaste tube, right? Just do it the regular way, and remember to floss daily.

 

[pokk]

Maybe wrong, same company that makes the paste also makes the brush which supposedly needs periodic replacement due to germs.

 

[mishrashubham]

Alright, I might sound stupid, but what exactly is 'parking' a brush or 'loading' a brush?

 

[pokk]

The brush is rinsed after use & then toothpaste is loaded on the brush so that it sits with toothpaste coating the bristles until the next brushing. Will the toothpaste kill the germs in the brush in this scenario?

 

[mishrashubham]

The brush is rinsed after use & then toothpaste is loaded on the brush so that it sits with toothpaste coating the bristles until the next brushing. Will the toothpaste kill the germs in the brush in this scenario?

Well it depends on the toothpaste. Most toothpastes, as far as I know, do not have any specific disinfecting properties. A quick google search however tells me about Triclosan, which is used in some toothpastes as an antibacterial agent. If your toothpaste also uses triclosan, it might do the job. Although I don't think its a good idea doing something not mentioned in the instructions.

 

[berkeman]

Maybe wrong, same company that makes the paste also makes the brush which supposedly needs periodic replacement due to germs.

A simpler solution would just be to stir the toothbrush in a small container of antiseptic mouthwash before loading it and using it.

 

[bobze]

You could rinse the tooth brush with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Then rinse with water.

To be honest, desiccation is a great antimicrobial (ever notice the difference between the smell of a kitchen towel that has been kept wet vs one that was allowed to dry?).

Toothbrushes aren't made to be permanent. So letting it dry after use should be plenty good for keeping the microbial flora down between replacements. Make sure you set it in some kind of holder or rest it with the brush part off the counter where air can circulate around the whole brush and dry it quickly.

 

[ViewsofMars]

Here’s some useful information from The Journal of the American
Dental Association (JADA) Volume 138:

FOR THE DENTAL PAT I E N T . . .A look at toothbrushes
Toothbrush design and materials have
come a long way. Early forms of the
toothbrush have existed for nearly
5000 years. Some ancient civilizations
removed food with a “chew stick,” a
thin twig with a frayed end that was rubbed
against the teeth. During the last century or so,
toothbrushes were crafted with bone, wood or
ivory handles that held the stiff bristles of hogs,
boars or other animals. The nylon-bristled toothbrush,
as we know it today, was invented in 1938.

[. . .]
WHAT KIND OF TOOTHBRUSH SHOULD YOU
CHOOSE?
There are two types of toothbrushes: manual and
powered. The size and shape of the brush should
fit your mouth comfortably, allowing you to reach
all areas easily. Your dentist may offer suggestions
about which type is suitable for your needs.
No matter what type of toothbrush you choose,
the American Dental Association recommends
that you brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
to clean your teeth thoroughly and to provide
fluoride protection against decay.
Look for toothbrushes that display the ADA
Seal of Acceptance. The Seal assures you that the
product has been evaluated by an independent
body of scientific experts—the ADA Council on
Scientific Affairs—for safety and effectiveness
according to objective guidelines. To qualify for
the Seal of Acceptance, the company must show
that all of the toothbrush components are safe for
use in the mouth. This means that the bristles are
free of sharp or jagged edges and endpoints; the
handle material is tested by the manufacturer to
show durability under normal use; the bristles
won’t fall out with normal use; and the toothbrush
can be used without supervision by the
average adult to provide a significant decrease in
mild periodontal (gum) disease and plaque.
[. . .]
HOW CAN YOU KEEP YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
CLEAN?
Rinse your toothbrush with tap water after
brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and
debris. Store the brush in an upright position if
possible and allow it to air dry until using it
again. If more than one toothbrush is stored in
the same holder or area, keep the brushes separated.
Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store
them in closed containers. A moist environment,
such as a closed container, is more conducive to
the growth of microorganisms than is the open
air.
Replace toothbrushes every three to four
months. The bristles become frayed and worn
with use and will be less effective at cleaning
teeth. Toothbrushes wear more rapidly depending
on factors unique to each patient. Check toothbrushes
often for worn bristles and replace them
more frequently if needed. Children’s toothbrushes
may need to be replaced more frequently
than adults’ toothbrushes.

For a list of oral hygiene products displaying
the ADA Seal of Acceptance, visit “www.ada.org/
ada/seal/index.asp”.
Prepared by the ADA in cooperation with The Journal of the
American Dental Association and the ADA Division of Science.
[…]
http://www.ada.org/sections/scienceAndResearch/pdfs/patient_78.pdf

I should mention that if you have a tooth implant be extremely careful and gentle
when brushing that tooth. It's also important to floss before you brush your teeth and gums.