Herpes virus on toothbrush

Researchers at the University of Oklahoma exposed a sterile toothbrush to the virus for 10 minutes. Seven days later, half of the disease-producing viruses remained, says Richard T. Read this if you haven't replaced your toothbrush in 3 months. If you still develop a sore, get a new toothbrush after the blister develops and breaks. This can prevent you from developing multiple sores. And once the sore has healed completely, replace your toothbrush again. He says that patients who tried this method found it significantly reduced the number of cold sores they typically experienced in a year.

A damp toothbrush in a moist environment like your bathroom is a perfect environment for herpes simplex virus. That moisture helps prolong the life of the herpes virus on your toothbrush. Toothpaste can transmit disease, too, says Glass.

Buy small tubes so that you replace them regularly. You can protect your cold sore by covering it with medicated petroleum jelly, says Glass. This will help keep the sore moist and prevent cracking. Be sure not to dip back into the jelly with the same finger you used to touch your sore.

Better yet, use a cotton swab each time. Many studies show that a water-based zinc solution, applied the minute you feel that tingling, will speed healing. In a Boston study of patients who were followed over a 6-year period, a 0. Sores healed in an average of 5. The solution was applied every 30 to 60 minutes during the onset of the cold sore.

How does zinc help? The zinc ions crosslink with the DNA molecule of the herpes virus and prevent the DNA from replicating, reducing the number of viruses produced, he says. Zinc gluconate is kinder to the skin than zinc sulfate, says Chvapil.

The mineral is available at health food stores. What was going on in your life just before you got your last cold sore? What about the cold sore prior to that? If you do some sleuthing, you may figure out what triggers a cold sore for you. McCune, MD. Common triggers include stress and a variety of foods. Applying ice directly to a cold sore can reduce the swelling and provide temporary relief, says Morrow. Abreva, an over-the-counter medication containing docosanol, works by protecting healthy cells from the infected cells.

Applying it may make the cold sore infection less likely to penetrate the healthy cells. Use the cream 5 times a day, beginning when you experience the first symptoms, says David H. This method, like boiling water, can cause potential damage to your toothbrush.

Be sure to give it a good inspection before you brush! If you are concerned that you will forget to sanitize your toothbrush weekly, choosing an alternative like hydrogen peroxide may be wise. Simply store your toothbrush in a small container of hydrogen peroxide and rinse it before use each day. After you brush, be sure to replace the hydrogen peroxide in the container with fresh liquid to keep those germs at bay.

Using an antibacterial mouthwash is another easy alternative. Soaking your toothbrush for 15 minutes each week will get rid of bacteria and germs that are stuck between the bristles. Just be sure to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before the next use. Denture cleaner is easily available in stores and is a great way to disinfect a toothbrush. This antibacterial cleaner is formulated to break down food particles and other debris that is trapped between the bristles of a toothbrush.

In addition, this particular is made specifically to kill bacteria that are commonly found in the mouth. A combination of dry heat and steam work together to rid your toothbrush of nasty bacteria. This sanitizing gadget can get pricey! And to be fair, experts say that simply soaking your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash will achieve results that are just as good. Ideally, you should disinfect a toothbrush once each week. However, there are other times when it is beneficial to give it a little extra attention.

When recovering from a virus or cold, always disinfect your toothbrush. Be sure to sanitize the toothbrushes of the other members of your household, too. Because a toothbrush holds on to bacteria, it could cause your cold to last longer than it needs too! Dirty toothbrushes could also be the cause of a virus spreading throughout your entire household. It is absolutely necessary that you disinfect both your toothbrush and the toothbrush you accidentally used!

Bacteria passed from one person to another can cause unnecessary colds and infections. It is always wise to disinfect your toothbrush after returning home from a trip. New environments and experiences can expose you to bacteria you are not otherwise accustomed to. Plus, that toothbrush cover you used…not so helpful in preventing bacteria.

There are, of course, alternatives to disinfecting a toothbrush. Although sanitizing your toothbrush weekly is the most effective economically, it may not fit in your busy schedule. If disinfecting your toothbrush consistently is proving to be a challenge, it may be wise to simply switch to a new toothbrush more often than suggested.

Luckily, there are many cost-effective brands of toothbrushes available which make this method less pricey than it once was. However, before you waste your money, try a sanitation method like the mouthwash method listed above. Developing this simple habit can save you hundreds of dollars you would otherwise waste on new toothbrushes. Although bacteria on your toothbrush are unavoidable, there are ways to diminish the growth of harmful germs.

Following these steps will guarantee that your toothbrush is as clean as it can possibly be! Most of us give our toothbrush a rushed rinse both before and after we brush our teeth.

Rinsing the toothbrush thoroughly under hot water both before and after brushing will get rid of any lingering debris which leads to the growth of bacteria or mold. This should go without saying, but sharing a toothbrush is a horrible idea.

In fact, sharing toothpaste is even unwise! As you can assume, storing your toothbrush right next to the toilet is not a wise idea. When a toilet is flushed, germs and bacteria are released into the air. If your toothbrush is conveniently stored on the countertop right next door, you can imagine where they land. Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet.

Storing your toothbrush in a well-ventilated area will allow it to dry more quickly. A damp toothbrush is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and germs, you want the bristles to dry as quickly as possible. A toothbrush holder stored on your countertop away from the toilet is often the best option.

Although there are many types of decorative toothbrush holders available today, it is wise to choose one with an open cup style that you can easily clean and disinfect. A toothbrush holder also enables you to store your toothbrush in an upright position.

Aside from the benefits of proper ventilation, upright storage also prevents cross-contamination. Cross-contamination can occur when your toothbrush comes in contact with any other surface. Keeping your toothbrush clean is an important part of a healthy oral care routine. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

Insider tips, early access and more. Top Treatments. Top Conditions Erectile Dysfunction. How is Herpes Transmitted? HSV-1 vs. How is HSV-1 Transmitted? How is HSV-2 Transmitted? With this said, there are several ways to lower your risk of contracting herpes, particularly HSV-2 genital herpes : Avoid risky sexual behavior, such as having sex with multiple partners without the use of protection.

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