Are Toothbrush Sanitizers Effective?

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When I was a kid, one of my teachers once told our class that bacteria from human waste in the bathroom could find its way on to our toothbrush.  Later that day, I went home and moved my toothbrush as far away from the toilet as I could.

It has also recently been shown that bacteria can grow on our toothbrush when it's just sitting in the bathroom and not being used.

It is reasons like these that many people are looking into purchasing toothbrush sanitizers.

I've often wondered if they are really worth it.  Sure, there is bacteria on my toothbrush.  Has it ever made me sick?  Probably not.  That is why I personally don't use a toothbrush sanitizer.  I figure if it's not broken, there's no point in fixing it.  However, I'll be the first to admit that I sometimes do things the wrong way.

In looking at the effectiveness of toothbrush sanitizers, we need to ask ourselves two questions:

1. Do toothbrush sanitizers kill bacteria?
2. If they do kill bacteria, does it really make a difference?

Do Toothbrush Sanitizers Kill Bacteria

Toothbrush sanitizers do kill bacteria.  In fact, some can kill 99.999% of the bacteria on your toothbrush.  So in regards to whether they kill bacteria, the answer is yes.

Does the Fact That They Kill Bacteria Make a Difference?

Will it prevent you from getting sick?  If you are sick, will the fact that it doesn't introduce bacteria when you brush help you get over your sickness more quickly?

Here's what the American Dental Association has to say about toothbrush sanitizers:

There are several commercially available toothbrush sanitizers on the market. Although data do not demonstrate that they provide a specific health benefit, if a consumer chooses to use one of these devices, the Council recommends that they select a product cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products cleared by FDA are required to provide data to the Agency to substantiate cleared claims.

In spite of this, I have to admit that I am a bit of a germophobe and can understand why people wouldn't want to stick a bunch of bacteria in their mouth everyday, even if it most likely won't harm them.

Here are a couple sanitizers that you may want to check out:

• Sonicare UV brush-head sanitizer
• Germ Terminator toothbrush sanitizer
• UVZ Health Systems wall mount family toothbrush sanitizer

If you do end up getting one, you should inspect your brush to make sure that the sanitizing cycle isn't reducing the lifespan of your toothbrush.

Related posts:

1. How Often Should You Get a New Toothbrush?

Related posts:

1. How Often Should You Get a New Toothbrush?