Toothbrush Tips for Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season has arrived, and we bet you’ve stocked up on cough drops, tissues, and hand sanitizer. But have you thought about your toothbrush? While proper toothbrush hygiene is always important, it requires special attention when illnesses are circulating in your home.

Taking a few extra steps to manage your toothbrush and bathroom environment can help reduce the spread of germs in your home and protect those you love from illness during the months when colds and the flu are most common.

Why Your Toothbrush Needs Extra Attention When You’re Sick

Your mouth is home to millions of bacteria, and when you are sick, viruses can be present as well. Your toothbrush comes into direct contact with these germs every time you brush. Because cold, flu, and other illnesses are spread when viruses come in contact with mucus membranes, such as the mouth, nose, and eyes, an infected person’s toothbrush can transfer the virus to someone else.

Good Toothbrush Habits

While you focus on getting better, it is helpful to adopt practices that keep your toothbrush from becoming a source of contamination for others.

Do Not Share Toothbrushes

While it might seem obvious, this rule is worth repeating, especially during cold and flu season. Sharing a toothbrush is a direct way to transfer bacteria and viruses from one person to another.

Each person in your household should have their own distinct toothbrush, and it is a good idea to ensure they are easily distinguishable to prevent accidental mix-ups. Assign a color to each family member, and stick to it when you change out your brushes.

Be Mindful of Sharing Toothpaste

You know not to share a toothbrush, but toothpaste? While you may not think twice about it, many touch the opening of the toothpaste tube to their toothbrush while getting ready to brush their teeth. When this happens, germs can be transferred from the brush to the tube. The next person who uses it may then pick up those germs.

To avoid this, encourage family members to apply toothpaste to their brushes without making direct contact with the tube. If someone in the household is sick, it may be a good idea to provide them with a separate tube of toothpaste to use until they have recovered. A travel-size tube is a great option.

Store Brushes Separately with Good Airflow

Many families use a single cup or holder for all their toothbrushes. When toothbrushes are stored together, their heads can touch, allowing germs to pass from one brush to another. It is better to store toothbrushes upright in a rack or holder that keeps them well separated. And don’t forget to clean the container often!

Good airflow is also important. Storing a toothbrush in a medicine cabinet, a closed container, or a travel cap immediately after use will trap moisture, which encourages bacterial growth. Allow your toothbrush to air-dry completely between uses by keeping it in a place with good airflow.

You should also store your toothbrush away from the toilet, as when a toilet is flushed, it can release aerosolized particles into the air, which can settle on nearby surfaces, including your toothbrush.

How Often to Replace Your Toothbrush

The general recommendation is to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. However, you should also replace your toothbrush after you have recovered from a cold, the flu, or another infection.

While it is unlikely that you will reinfect yourself with the same virus, your toothbrush can harbor germs that could be passed to other family members if brushes are stored closely together. Replacing your brush after an illness can also provide a mental boost, feeling link a fresh start and making you feel better about your oral hygiene routine.

Clean High-Touch Surfaces Regularly

Your toothbrush is not the only item in your bathroom that can hang onto germs. During cold and flu season, it is smart to regularly wipe down surfaces in your bathroom that are touched frequently. This includes faucet handles, doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. Using a household disinfectant can effectively kill viruses and bacteria on these surfaces, reducing the risk that they will be spread to others.

Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. You should wash your hands with soap and water before and after brushing and flossing your teeth. This prevents you from transferring germs from your hands to your toothbrush and then into your mouth.

Sanitizing Your Toothbrush

The ADA has stated that there is little evidence that sanitizing your toothbrush is necessary. The current recommendation is to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before and after brushing.

However, if you would like to be extra safe, you can clean your toothbrush head by soaking it in an antimicrobial mouthwash for several minutes. Be sure to rinse the brush thoroughly with tap water after soaking and before using it. Another option is a UV sanitizer, which is a device designed to kill bacteria and viruses using ultraviolet light.

Don’t Let Your Toothbrush Spread Germs

By incorporating these toothbrush tips into your routine, you can help protect yourself and your family during cold and flu season. If you have any questions about oral hygiene during cold and flu season, or any time, contact our office!