How to Dry and Store a Toothbrush

Rinse your toothbrush after each use

Toothbrush care starts before storage. After brushing, rinse the bristles thoroughly with tap water to remove leftover toothpaste, food particles, and debris. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing the toothbrush thoroughly after each use. A quick rinse also prevents dried toothpaste from building up between the bristles, which can make the brush harder to clean later.

Toothbrushes should not be shared. Sharing a toothbrush can exchange bodily fluids and microorganisms between people, so each person in a household should have their own brush. If you are buying brushes for everyone, a toothbrush multipack can help make that easy.

Store it upright and let the bristles air dry

The main rule for drying a toothbrush is simple: stand the brush upright in a holder and let the bristles air dry. The ADA says to store toothbrushes in an upright position after use and allow them to air dry. When the brush stands upright, water drains away from the bristles instead of pooling at the base, and air can reach the bristles from all sides.

Your holder should let air circulate. A cup, a wall holder, or a vented stand can work as long as the brush does not sit in a puddle. Keep brushes separated if they are stored near each other so they do not touch. MouthHealthy advises that if you store your toothbrush with other toothbrushes, make sure they are separated to prevent cross contamination.

• Rinse thoroughly after brushing.
• Shake off excess water over the sink.
• Place the brush upright in a clean, open holder.
• Let the bristles dry completely before the next use.

Avoid covering the brush or using closed containers

Closed containers are convenient for travel, but they are not the best home storage choice. A moist environment such as a closed container is more conducive to the growth of unwanted bacteria than the open air, according to MouthHealthy. Storing a wet toothbrush in a sealed case after every brushing gives moisture nowhere to go.

Use a travel case only when you are actually traveling. For daily storage, leave the brush in the open air. If you want to know more about the different options, start with the toothbrush travel case types article, and follow the advice on caring for a toothbrush while traveling when you are on the road.

What about sanitizing a toothbrush?

Some people like to sanitize their toothbrush. The ADA notes that toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, but there is no evidence that these bacteria cause adverse health effects. Still, if you want to sanitize your brush, look for a sanitizer device that has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do not microwave a toothbrush or put it in the dishwasher. High heat can damage the brush. For more on this topic, see the guide to toothbrush UV sanitizer cases.

Keep the holder clean too

A toothbrush can only dry well if the holder is clean and dry. Over time, toothpaste drips and tap water can collect at the bottom of a cup or holder, creating the kind of damp spot you are trying to avoid. Rinsing the holder occasionally with warm soapy water and letting it dry before you put the brush back is a simple way to keep the storage area fresher.

If you notice buildup under the brush head or around the holder, see the article on how to clean a toothbrush holder and the steps for preventing mold on a toothbrush.

Replace your toothbrush on schedule

Air drying keeps the brush in better condition between uses, but it does not make the bristles last forever. The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. Worn bristles do not clean as effectively, so a fresh brush is part of good oral care.

If you are not sure when your current brush is ready, read more about how often to replace toothbrush heads.

Pick a brush that is easy to dry and clean

The same drying routine works for manual and powered toothbrushes. The ADA says either manual or powered toothbrushes can be used effectively, and both should be rinsed after use and stored upright. If you prefer a powered model, you can still shake off excess water from the handle and brush head before standing it in a holder. See the manual vs electric toothbrush comparison if you are deciding between the two.

Whatever type you choose, look for a soft-bristled brush and consider one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Soft bristles are recommended because they reduce the risk of gum injury, and the ADA Seal means an independent body of scientific experts evaluated the brush for safety and efficacy. You can find options in the best ADA accepted toothbrushes and best soft-bristle toothbrushes guides.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Should I store my toothbrush upright or lying down?

Store it upright. The ADA advises storing toothbrushes in an upright position after use and allowing them to air dry. An upright position lets water drain away from the bristles and speeds drying.

Can I put a cover on my toothbrush?

Do not cover it as part of your regular routine. A closed container creates a moist environment that encourages microbial growth more than open air. Keep covers for travel.

Can I keep my toothbrush in a bathroom cabinet?

A closed cabinet can trap moisture. If you keep your toothbrush in a cabinet, take it out after brushing, rinse it, shake off excess water, and let it dry before putting it away. In most bathrooms, an open holder next to the sink is simpler.

Can I sanitize a toothbrush in the dishwasher?

No. The ADA does not recommend microwaving toothbrushes or putting them in the dishwasher, because high heat may damage the brush. If you want to sanitize a toothbrush, look for a sanitizer device cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed. Even with good drying, bristles wear out and become less effective at cleaning.