When a viral illness like COVID-19 passes through a household, attention often turns to disinfecting common areas and surfaces. Personal hygiene tools, particularly the toothbrush, can become a source of concern regarding self-reinfection or spreading the virus to others. Understanding how to manage this daily tool after a viral illness is an important part of post-sickness hygiene due to its constant contact with the mouth and moist environment. Taking simple steps to either sanitize or replace the toothbrush provides peace of mind and helps maintain a healthy oral care routine.
Understanding Viral Persistence on Toothbrushes
Respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are known to survive on various surfaces, making toothbrush sanitization or replacement a consideration after illness. Studies indicate the COVID-19 virus can persist on plastic and stainless steel—materials common to toothbrush components—for up to 72 hours. The porous bristles, often remaining moist, can harbor these viral particles.
While the risk of self-reinfection from your own toothbrush is generally considered low, the concern shifts to cross-contamination, especially in shared living spaces. If toothbrushes are stored in a common holder, viral droplets from one brush can potentially transfer to another, increasing the risk of transmission to household members. Dentists and public health organizations advise taking action to address the toothbrush after recovering from any contagious illness. Separating toothbrushes during the illness is a practical step to prevent this kind of spread.
Practical Sanitization Methods After Illness
If immediate replacement is not an option, thorough sanitization can help reduce the microbial load on your toothbrush. A proven chemical method involves soaking the brush head in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Submerge the bristles completely in the solution for at least 10 minutes to allow the antimicrobial properties of the peroxide to take effect. After soaking, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with clean water before its next use.
Another common chemical option is using an antimicrobial mouthwash, particularly one containing alcohol, for a shorter soak time of about five minutes. However, some sources suggest that mouthwash may be less effective against certain viruses than hydrogen peroxide, so the latter is often preferred for post-COVID sanitization. The toothbrush handle, which can also harbor the virus, should be wiped down with a household disinfectant or rubbing alcohol.
For manual toothbrushes, heat can be a simple and effective disinfectant. You can place the brush head in boiling water for approximately three minutes to safely kill germs. This method is generally not recommended for electric toothbrush heads, as the high heat can damage the plastic components, seals, and electronics of the brush head. Some people utilize UV light sanitizers, but their efficacy can vary, and they may degrade plastic bristles over time.
Guidance on When to Replace the Toothbrush
The most definitive and recommended action after recovering from a contagious illness like COVID-19 is to replace the toothbrush entirely. This measure ensures that any lingering viral or bacterial remnants are removed from your immediate oral hygiene routine. This recommendation applies equally to manual toothbrushes and the replaceable heads of electric toothbrushes.
It is generally advised to replace your brush after about 10 days from a positive test if you are no longer symptomatic, or once you have fully recovered from the acute illness. Replacement is particularly important if the toothbrush was stored close to other family members’ brushes, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Beyond illness, replacement is a standard hygiene practice, with the American Dental Association recommending a new brush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed. Following an illness, replacement is a simple, cost-effective step to maintain cleanliness and reduce any potential risk.
Practical Sanitization Methods After Illness
If immediate replacement is not an option, thorough sanitization can help reduce the microbial load on your toothbrush. A proven chemical method involves soaking the brush head in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Submerge the bristles completely in the solution for at least 10 minutes to allow the antimicrobial properties of the peroxide to take effect. After soaking, rinse the toothbrush thoroughly with clean water before its next use.
Another common chemical option is using an antimicrobial mouthwash, particularly one containing alcohol, for a shorter soak time of about five minutes. However, some sources suggest that mouthwash may be less effective against certain viruses than hydrogen peroxide, so the latter is often preferred for post-COVID sanitization. The toothbrush handle, which can also harbor the virus, should be wiped down with a household disinfectant or rubbing alcohol.
For manual toothbrushes, heat can be a simple and effective disinfectant. You can place the brush head in boiling water for approximately three minutes to safely kill germs. This method is generally not recommended for electric toothbrush heads, as the high heat can damage the plastic components, seals, and electronics of the brush head. Some people utilize UV light sanitizers, but their efficacy can vary, and they may degrade plastic bristles over time.
Guidance on When to Replace the Toothbrush
The most definitive and recommended action after recovering from a contagious illness like COVID-19 is to replace the toothbrush entirely. This measure ensures that any lingering viral or bacterial remnants are removed from your immediate oral hygiene routine. This recommendation applies equally to manual toothbrushes and the replaceable heads of electric toothbrushes.
It is generally advised to replace your brush after about 10 days from a positive test if you are no longer symptomatic, or once you have fully recovered from the acute illness. Replacement is particularly important if the toothbrush was stored close to other family members’ brushes, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. Beyond illness, replacement is a standard hygiene practice, with the American Dental Association recommending a new brush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become worn or frayed. Following an illness, replacement is a simple, cost-effective step to maintain cleanliness and reduce any potential risk.