Project Clean Toothbrush: Important Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of Germs©

1. Wash your hands with soap 2. Wash your toothbrush before 3. Disinfect your toothbrush by 4. You can also store your 5. Using a tablet of denture before and after touching your and after every use. Hold the allowing it to soak in an toothbrush in a 3% Hydrogen cleanser is another quick way to toothbrush. brush under running hot water. antibacterial . Stir it Peroxide (H202) solution that is sanitize your toothbrush. This The hot water will soften the with the bristled end of your changed daily. Use enough anti-bacterial cleaning system bristles and help to release food toothbrush for 30 seconds. solution to cover the bristles. has detergents and enzymes particles and excess . Mouthwash containing alcohol This can keep your toothbrush that aid in the breakdown of food Rub your thumb over the bristles will kill off most of the . disinfected. protein. The effervescent or with force while allowing cold Or foaming action (Sodium water to wash away any Mix 2 teaspoons of baking soda A quick way is to mix 1 Bicarbonate and Citric Acid) remaining debris and in 1 cup of water and soak your teaspoonful of peroxide in 1 cup provides mechanical cleaning toothpaste. The cold water will toothbrush in the solution if you water and wish your toothbrush action to loosen particles cause the toothbrush bristles to don’t have mouthwash. in it prior to use. trapped between the bristles. regain firmness and may limit the reproduction of germs. Soaking your toothbrush in vinegar once a week over night can also help to kill germs.

6. Avoid side by side storage of 7. Keeping your toothbrush as 8. Replace your toothbrush at 9. Air dry your toothbrush by 10. Clean toothbrush covers toothbrushes. Toothbrushes far away from your toilet as the first signs of bent bristles. shaking the excess water from with soap and water. Covers should be kept inches apart. possible cuts down on the recommend replacing the bristles. Running your thumb should only be placed over the airborne bacteria from waste. your toothbrush every three or finger across the bristles will bristles of a dry toothbrush Always flush the toilet with the months. also help to remove the water. whenever possible. top lid closed. covers that fit over the bristles keep them free of airborne or

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11. Frequently clean the 12. Use toothpaste from a 13. Throw your toothbrush toothbrush holder with soap and pump dispenser. Hold the away or the toothbrush of Please note that some of these tips may be utilized as your water. Toothbrush holders can toothbrush away from the tip of anyone in your home that gets a personal preference in the home and while traveling, especially also be wiped down using the pump. This can help to contagious sickness such as a during times of heightened influenza and viral illnesses. For more disposable wipes. reduce the chances that contact cold or flu. Any other information about Project Clean Toothbrush: Important Tips to Help will be made between the toothbrushes that may have Prevent the Spread of Germs, and to download 8.5 x 11 flyers or toothpaste and toothbrush. come into contact with the poster size copies, visit The Children’s Oral Health Institute at contaminated toothbrush should www.mycohi.org. Transparent cling-on copies that will adhere to also be tossed. bathroom mirrors, larger windows or the refrigerator door can be printed too. These transparent copies can be easily cleansed with a disinfectant wipe and continuously used throughout every season of the year. These important reminders could help prevent the spread of germs and control infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides coronavirus (COVID-19) information and guidelines on their website at www.cdc.gov/flu.