Power Toothbrushes – a Breeding Ground for Bacteria?

New emerging research indicates that hollow-head power toothbrushes could contain “up to 3,000” times the amount of bacteria compared to solid-head power toothbrushes with identical brushing habits.

The hollow-head brushes allow for more airflow and space for bacteria to cultivate and grow, as the study indicated. However, in the study, subjects were not able to clean or sanitize their brushes in between uses. In actual applications where the brush would be cleaned or sanitized after use, the actual amount of bacteria present would be much lower. Still, a hollow-head brush is potentially a breeding ground for all kinds of nasty things, including yeast and mold.

If you worry about bacteria on your toothbrush, there are a few ways to sanitize it yourself at home. The easiest way is to ensure that it dries between each use. Less moisture means less bacteria support. Some stores will sell a UV light system that will soak your bristles in ultraviolet light, killing anything growing on it; however that option is a bit on the pricier side. Another simple solution is to soak the head of your toothbrush in mouthwash for a good 20 minutes and letting it dry thoroughly before use. This will clean and sanitize and leave a nice minty taste.

The researchers recommend locating some solid-head power brushes, though it’s not an easy feat, as packaging rarely mentions if they are or are not. The trick is to look at where the brush head connects to the base; if there is a lot of space in there, chances are it is a hollow-head brush. If there is just enough room to connect the head to the base, then it is more likely to be a solid-head brush.
Of course, if you have any questions or concerns in finding the right brush for yourself, your friendly Valencia dentist, Go Dental, would be happy to discuss your options with you. As always, your health is their priority.