Dental care: guide to toothbrush sanitizers

Toothbrush Sanitizers? Do you really need one?

While there are many who question the need for toothbrush sanitizers, a close examination of what is really on the end of the average toothbrush sends shivers down the spine. Some toothbrushes which are stored behind bathroom faucets can contain up to 100 million germs, in addition to invisible yeast and molds. Repeated use of such toothbrushes can cause a person to “reinfect” himself, brushing the germs right back into the mouth and then into the bloodstream and causing many health problems.

There is nothing to lose by purchasing a toothbrush sanitizer, and at least a person can provide himself and his family with the peace of mind that improved hygiene leads to improved health. There are methods and devices for sanitizing toothbrushes to accommodate every price range—from drop tablets to self-cleaning toothbrushes to heavy duty machinery. The following is a description of the various kinds of toothbrush sanitizing products.

One method is using drop tablets several times a week, as recommended by the manufacturer, or more often. These are sold in packages of approximately 36 and kill up to 99% of the germs on the head of the toothbrush. One tablet dropped into warm water produces disinfecting bubbles which sanitize the toothbrush as it soaks for approximately ten minutes. After soaking, the toothbrush is rinsed off and ready to use. The drawback to this method is that one has to keep buying the tablets, which, in the long run, can cost more than buying a toothbrush sanitizer.

There are self-sanitizing toothbrushes that clean on contact with water. This is done through replaceable silver heads which stimulate a natural, continuous cleaning process. The self-cleaning toothbrushes are usually sold with an ergonomic head of non-slip rubber and a hygienic plastic bristle cover and cost about $11.00. Again, one has to keep in mind that these toothbrushes, even though they are self-cleaning, also need to be replaced every few months.

There are many toothbrush sanitizers on the market which use ultraviolet bulbs to zap germs. These range from $14.00 to about $50.00 depending on efficiency and durability. On the cheaper end are machines whose UV light turns on automatically after the toothbrushes are placed behind a small plastic door. These can sanitize up to four toothbrushes at once along with razors in approximately 60 seconds. The machine requires AA batteries and is sold with mounting screws and adhesive tape. The disadvantage is that the cheaper varieties are not waterproof, and therefore, can easily become damaged if placed adjacent to a bathroom sink, obviously the most convenient location for toothbrush sanitizers. Durable, waterproof toothbrush sanitizers which use state of the art ultraviolet light sterilization can cost anywhere from $30-$50, and like the less expensive varieties, hold multiple brushes and can be mounted on the wall. Some cleaning processes can take up to 10 minutes, but the companies claim that these sanitizers disinfect more thoroughly. Some varieties also clean electric toothbrushes.

The most expensive toothbrush sanitizers cost $100 or more and use steam sterilization. These sanitizers are durable, waterproof and high quality, but it is doubtful whether they actually kill more germs than the medium range ultraviolet light sanitizers. Ultimately, the consumer must decide how much they wish to invest on their toothbrush sanitizer, and may want to invest more money for more peace of mind, or buy a less expensive sanitizer on the principle that a lower quality device is better than merely air-drying toothbrushes, which kills some germs, but misses many more.

Of course, no toothbrush sanitizer can improve a badly worn toothbrush that needs to be replaced. Dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes every few months, before the bristles appear hard or worn down. Brushing with an old toothbrush can tear gums and expose the mouth and the bloodstream to infection. It is also recommended to place one’s toothbrush on the opposite side of the sink from the toilet to prevent toilet water from coming in contact with the brushes, otherwise, one might counteract the beneficial effects of using a toothbrush sanitizers. Any machine lasts longer if it is maintained properly, so to keep your toothbrush sanitizer running well, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.