Cleaning Tooth Brushes
01/20/2011 |
Question:
Hi – what is the best way for our parents to clean their child`s toothbrushes? We are a child care center & someone mentioned that the brushes could be cleaned in the dishwasher. Your guidance please. Thank you
Answer:
Hello, this is a great question. I would avoid this technique for cleaning brushes due to the tightness of the tufts of bristles. These tufts or stacks of bristles would not rinse thoroughly and residual detergent would be commonplace. Dishwashing detergents are not meant to be ingested, so it is not a safe practice. Additionally, the heat in most dishwashers is not well regulated and it may soften or modify the bristles/handle in such a way to harbor bacteria.
For more information:
Go to the Dental Hygiene health topic.