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Do you need to sanitize your toothbrush every day?
I am really vigilant about cleaning my equipment for nebulizing and airway clearance. What should we do about our toothbrushes? We brush our teeth multiple times a day. The MAC is probably on there. I can’t boil my toothbrush or use a new one each time I brush.
I read about soaking in vinegar. Is that pure or diluted vinegar? Should it always be left in a small glass with some vinegar after brushing and rinsing teeth? Then you have to rinse it really well afterwards (with your tap water that probably contains MAC). If you know your tap water does have MAC, what do you do?
I now have disposable cups and pot bottled water in them for rinsing my mouth as well as for cleaning my toothbrush. Am I doing too much?
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I sanitize my toothbrush after every use with UV Bril toothbrush sanitizer.
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Hug
1 ReactionI have the Wagner brand, purchased on Amazon.
I was told by one pulmonologist to rinse with listerine twice a day to keep the bacteria down, but a hygienist told me and I have read that it also kills the good bacteria in your mouth. So I don’t use it, but am open to any input others may have on this.
I do sterilize my toothbrush with either 70% alcohol or Listerine.
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1 ReactionThank you all for the helpful posts
I just pour a bit of 3% peroxide over mine.
Peroxide is not effective on MAC, and needs time to act on everything else.
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Hug
1 ReactionThat’s good to know. Thanks.
I found this article written by Mayo Clinic
- How to clean your toothbrush https://www.mayoclinic.org/connected-care/how-to-clean-your-toothbrush/cpt-20555370
Excerpt:
If you look online, you'll find suggestions for ways to sanitize your toothbrush. But is it necessary to sanitize it by soaking it in vinegar, putting it in the dishwasher or using an ultraviolet sanitizing device?
The short answer is no. None of the above are necessary. These "solutions" might not be effective, according to the American Dental Association. They could even damage your toothbrush.
Toothbrushes don't need to be sanitized. Instead, to keep your toothbrush clean, experts recommend that you:
- Rinse your toothbrush under warm water before and after using it. This will help rinse away food particles and germs.
- Store your toothbrush upright in a toothbrush holder to let it air dry between uses. Laying it in a drawer or putting it in a closed case allows mold or bacteria to grow. Use cases only while traveling.
- Avoid letting your toothbrush touch someone else's in the toothbrush holder since bacteria can easily move between brushes. Don't share toothbrushes, either.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Get a new one after being sick or when the bristles look frayed or worn.
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7 ReactionsI have read research articles stating UV light will not kill MAC microbes. I was thinking of installing for HVAC system so don’t bother. But may help reduce other organisms?
To disinfect your toothbrush with 70% alcohol, you can follow these steps123:
Rinse the toothbrush with warm water to remove debris.
Submerge the bristles in rubbing alcohol for about 30 seconds.
Alternatively, wipe the handle down with a disinfectant wipe or use a diluted bleach solution.
Note that commercially available toothbrush cleaning products have not been shown to sterilize toothbrushes4.