5 Simple Tricks for Avoiding the Flu

Dec 12th, 2012
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

It always happens this time of year in Columbus.  Noses start running, eyes get red; people are getting the flu.  During cold and flu season, getting sick seems like an inevitability.  No matter where you go in Ohio, someone is always sniffling or coughing.  It almost seems like the only way to avoid cold and flu season is to stay locked up in your own home and wait for spring to arrive.

Luckily, though, we have a few simple steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season without completely neglecting the outside world.  One of the least thought of places where bacteria thrives is a toothbrush.  Think about it, you use one to get germs off your teeth but then what do you do to get germs off your toothbrush?  As dentists in Columbus, Ohio, here’s what we can advise you to start doing.

 

  1. For a thorough cleaning, put the head of your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash.  By letting your toothbrush soak overnight, you allow the antibacterial mouthwash to kill all the germs that typically live between its bristles.
  2. During the day, soak your toothbrush in a small container of hydrogen peroxide.  This agent has been used for years to help clean stubborn stains; it will do the same thing for your toothbrush.  The best part is, hydrogen peroxide is safe enough for you to use this trick every day, just make sure you change it out after every use.
  3. For a more intense clean, boil your toothbrush in water for three minutes.  This action will be a little harder on the life of your toothbrush but the extreme heat will kill most of the bacteria on your brush.
  4. If you’re looking to sanitize your toothbrush, you may already have a sanitizer in your kitchen.  Stick your toothbrush in your dishwasher for a cycle without soap.  The heat and water pressure will get your toothbrush absolutely clean.
  5. If you like gadgets, find yourself a UV toothbrush sanitizer.  These tools combine dry heat and steam with a powerful UV light to kill 99.9% of all germs on your toothbrush.  A UV toothbrush sanitizer will get your toothbrush about as clean as it can get.

During cold and flu season, it’s important to take every possible step to ensure your health, especially in Columbus.  Keeping your toothbrush clean is the smart and simple way to keep your mouth as free of germs as possible.  For more tips on good oral hygiene, follow us on Facebook!