Many parents worry about the health of their child’s teeth and gums, but fewer think about the cleanliness of their child’s toothbrush. Just how much bacteria from a child’s mouth takes up residence on a toothbrush?

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The simplest response to this query is: perhaps. According to American Dental Association research, some dangerous bacteria can occasionally find their way onto your child's toothbrush. The paper does note that few people get sick from this exposure, though. Most dentists only suggest sterilizing a toothbrush if someone in the household has recently experienced a bacterial, fungal, or viral ailment like strep throat or thrush. Even so, the mere concept of revolting germs accumulating on a toothbrush can prompt you to clean it frequently. Alternately, you might simply get rid of them all! Don't worry, there are various ways to guarantee that the toothbrushes in your household are hygienic and secure.

The usefulness of essential oils for cleaning homes is frequently praised. Because they are so concentrated, essential oils shouldn't be consumed. Therefore, using undiluted essential oils on your child's toothbrush is probably not a good idea.

Again, most dental professionals do not believe that sanitizing toothbrushes is an essential procedure. After use, toothbrushes should be properly cleaned with fresh tap water to get rid of any leftover food or toothpaste. Brushes should be allowed to dry outside after rinsing. Keep wet toothbrushes away from light and moisture to prevent the formation of dangerous bacteria. Keep your brushes away from the toilet and always flush with the lid closed if you're worried about any nasty bacteria that might be sprayed from a flushed toilet.

Every toothbrush manufacturer has different suggestions for when you should replace your toothbrush with a new one. Dentists tend to recommend their patients have a new toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, whether or not you regularly disinfect them. This is because bristles on the brush become worn and frayed, resulting in less than optimal cleaning of your teeth.

Remember, dentists advise that toothbrushes do not need to be specially cleaned. If you choose to disinfect your child’s toothbrush, be sure that you’re doing it in a safe manner, using one of the options listed above.