Doctor reveals a disturbing fact about your toothbrush—are you cleaning it enough?

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute medical advice. We recommended our readers to consult their general practitioners before implementing any of these suggestions.

In the realm of personal hygiene, there's one small tool that often gets overlooked despite its daily use—the humble toothbrush.

It's a critical part of our oral health routine, but how often do we consider its cleanliness?

A recent revelation from a doctor has left many stunned and rethinking their toothbrush hygiene practices.


Emergency doctor Dr Joe Whittington highlighted the importance of cleaning our toothbrush bristles with soap and water every night to combat the accumulation of harmful microorganisms.

'Every single night, you should be washing your toothbrush bristles with soap and water,' he advised.

'This practice helps prevent the introduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth and can greatly impact the amount of bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth.'

The connection between oral and cardiovascular health was recognised in recent studies.

'So, a clean toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque, which is crucial not only for dental health but potentially for preventing cardiovascular disease as well,' he added.


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Our trusty toothbrushes need some care and cleaning too, according to several healthcare professionals. Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets


Dr Whittington suggested soaking the bristles in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash once a week for those looking to take toothbrush sanitation to the next level.

A 2011 study stated that keeping your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is economical to minimise bacterial growth.

However, suppose you start experiencing symptoms like a sore or scratchy throat. In that case, it's time to bid your toothbrush farewell and replace it.


Paramount Dental Sydney's group of dentists also warned that a toothbrush can harbour over 100 million bacteria.

'It's not believed that your toothbrush will directly cause health problems; however, looking after your toothbrush through regular cleaning and proper storage will assist you in maintaining your oral hygiene,' the group said.

A 15-minute soak in antiseptic mouthwash or 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide is recommended to disinfect your toothbrush.

However, soaking for too long can damage the bristles.

If you prefer a more natural approach, vinegar can also be an effective disinfectant.


Dr Whittington's advice resonated with many, garnering over 39,000 views and several comments on the video.

'So this is actually something I've never done. Definitely will be now! Thank you,' one commented.

'Literally watching this after just buying three new toothbrushes because one of my kids has strep,' another shared.

'Thanks for this information! It makes sense!' a third exclaimed.

Despite the overwhelming support for Dr Whittington's tip, some remain sceptical about the advice.

'Not washing my toothbrush with soap. Not happening,' a comment wrote.

You can watch Dr Whittington's tip here:

Source: @drjoe_md/TikTok

Oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health, and taking care of our toothbrushes is a simple yet effective way to support our well-being.
Key Takeaways

  • Emergency doctor Dr Joe Whittington revealed toothbrush bristles should be cleaned nightly to prevent bacteria, viruses, and fungi accumulation.
  • This cleaning practice is crucial for dental health, as it could impact cardiovascular health due to the link between oral bacteria and heart health.
  • For deeper cleaning, it was recommended that soaking toothbrush bristles in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash once a week can minimise bacterial growth.
  • Despite some scepticism, viewers seemed convinced and intended to adopt the toothbrush cleaning practice.
Have you been diligent about cleaning your toothbrush? Or is this a new concept you'll incorporate into your daily routine? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments below!
 
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I can categorically and absolute declare that I will never have any issues with my tooth brush.
I just take the little suckers out every night and soak them in a special bacteria killing solution, along with the denture brush I use to clean them. Dam ... I'm a genius.
 
Dr Joe Whittington? Another Yank attention seeker in the mold of Dr Phil and Dr Oz.

He washes his own toothbrush in soap and water? What else would you expect from an idiot that states that falling asleep with the television on is hazardous to one's health and that by placing a wet paper towel next to onions will stop you crying.

What a goose!
 
I wash mine in hydrogen peroxide once a week and then put into a brill blue light container . Seems to work haven’t had a mouth ulcer for 3 years or anything else 🤞so must do something .
 

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