kill toothbrush germs between washings

**luvdietcoke** · 10-11-2007, 10:16 PM

During cold and flu season when so many different "bugs" are
going around, (especially with kids in school,) putting your
toothbrushes in the dishwasher and running it through an entire
cycle can kill any germs that might be getting comfy on the
toothbrush and possibly reinfecting the person who seems to
have that cold forever. In between washing the toothbrush,
dipping it in a little antispetic mouthwash will also keep
germs at a minimum in between washing.

**staceyy** · 10-12-2007, 12:56 PM

I occasionally will boil a cup of water in the microwave and will stick my toothbrush in for a few minutes to kill any germs.

**Neeley** · 10-12-2007, 02:41 PM

We all use the Oral-B Cross Action Spin brushes and if someone gets a cold we throw away his/her toothbrush head and replace it with a new one. Especially if they have strep throat or some other contagious infection.

I have them all replace the heads as a rule about every 4-6 weeks since that is what our dentist reccommends.

**Its_Donna** · 10-12-2007, 03:04 PM

That's a great tip luvdietcoke.

**Katyllw** · 10-18-2007, 06:16 PM

I’m sure that this isn’t entirely related but while we are on the subject of trying to keep from getting sick....

Does your child play an instrument? You would be AMAZED at how well those things harbor cold and sickness. When I was in high school I was always sick, didn’t take long till I graduated to realize it must have been my flute! I haven’t had a cold in almost 3 years. Yuck!

**sdrjeolsen** · 10-18-2007, 07:35 PM

oh, that's a great idea! Thanks!

My dad was just telling me when he visited that he runs his under the instant hot every day when he is done brushing.

**Libby** · 10-21-2007, 11:07 PM

I usually dip mine in Listerine (or store brand version - whatever I have on hand) for a few minutes once a week. Keeps my breath extra minty fresh too!

**miss_thrifty** · 10-22-2007, 09:05 AM

I throw all ours out every 2 months. I buy dollarama ones 3 in one pack. Plus use hand sanatizer on all every week under the hot water, throughly rinse the sanatizer off. works for me.

**CraftMomm** · 10-22-2007, 11:10 AM

Originally Posted by Katyllw

I’m sure that this isn’t entirely related but while we are on the subject of trying to keep from getting sick....

Does your child play an instrument? You would be AMAZED at how well those things harbor cold and sickness. When I was in high school I was always sick, didn’t take long till I graduated to realize it must have been my flute! I haven’t had a cold in almost 3 years. Yuck!

I played clarinet and school and when i would get a cold I would get rid of my reed and get a new one and wash my mouth piece. It saved a lot of recurring sickness!!!

It's the small things like this that we don't think about.

**JustJoy** · 10-22-2007, 04:54 PM

Great tips....thanks!

**JessicaP** · 11-29-2007, 11:45 PM

I have an Oral B rechargable toothbrush and those replacement heads are expensive. But I recently got a new Sonicare UV Sanitizer and it's awsome. 10 minutes and it kills all the germs and you don't have to buy new heads all the time. I am a BuzzAgent for buzzagent.com and I actually got it free. So far it's been great! Here's the website if you are interested in checking it out: http://sonicare.com/