by 17 people |
Why Sterilize Your Toothbrush?
You know how many germs can live on your toothbrush - You don't? Well, experts agree that your toothbrush is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and studies have shown incredible results for the variety and number of germs found on an average toothbrush. And you put them in your mouth 2 or 3 times a day! More Details Below
Remember good dental hygiene plays an important part in preventing decay, gum disease and bad breath. A clean toothbrush is an important part of observing good dental health.
Dirty or uncleaned toothbrushes will compromise your health by brushing germs and bacteria into your gums, and this can adversely effect your overall health.
Hear we will compare 2 different sorts of Toothbrush Sanitizer and will help you decide between UV and Steam Sanitizing.
"75 percent of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal gum disease."
Which Method Sterilizes Better?
Which method of cleaning and sterilizing your toothbrush Do You Think works better?
The Steam Toothbrush Sanitizer
Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer
The Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer
* All Natural - Uses only steam and dry heat to clean
* Easy - Takes only seconds to use after every brushing
* Compatible with electric and manual toothbrushes
* Modeled after the steam device used in dental offices to sterilize instruments. 3"L x 6"W x 11.5"H
* Kills greater than 99.9999% of toothbrush germs and keeps your toothbrush germ-free between brushings
The Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer provides a clean, healthy toothbrush every time you brush your teeth. The Germ Terminator is the only toothbrush sanitizer to use natural steam and dry heat to kill greater than 99.9999% of germs on your toothbrush and store it in a completely germ-free environment between brushings. The Germ Terminator works with electric and manual toothbrushes. The product is FDA-cleared (510k-clearance) and is modeled after the steam device in dental offices to sterilize instruments. It can be used worldwide with the proper plug adapter (100-240V). UL Listed, Worldwide Safety Certifications.
This "brushes" your toothbrush ULTRA clean! The Germ Terminator is exactly that, testing greater than 99.9999% effective against cold and flu viruses, salmonella, staph infections, gum diseases, herpes and more! NO germs detected after any test. So it's recommended by dentists, doctors and hygienists to assure that pathogens don't "hide" and spread in and between toothbrushes. It's all natural, using only steam and dry heating. Takes just seconds... you add a bit of water and it cycles through. Your brushes (fits 2 electric or standard) then sit sanitized in the chamber until the next use. It's 5x2 1/2 x 1l"h. 14 ozs. 71" AC cord. Holds worldwide patents and safety certifications. This is easy, smart protection for a healthier mouth, and ultimately, a healthier body.
For More details and videos of the Germ Terminator in action, and various TV reviews, go the Germ Terminator Toothbrush Web Site
10% Off The Germ Terminator!
Save 10% off The Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer! Enter coupon code: AUY6-HF6G-8VFA at checkout.
UV (Ultra-Violet) Toothbrush Sanitizer
VIOlight VS100 Toothbrush Sanitizer
VIOlight VS100 Toothbrush Sanitizer and Storage System
* Uses proven germicidal UV technology
* Holds 4 toothbrushes, including children's and electric toothbrush heads
* Translucent safety cap lets you see the glow so you know it's working
* Easy, one-button activation with auto shut off in just 10 minutes
Small and sleek, VIOlight is the size of an average cup or toothbrush holder. And, since it doubles as a sanitizer and holder, it won't take up any extra space in your bathroom. With enough room to hold four toothbrushes of all sizes - including kids' and electric heads.
VIOlight is versatile enough to meet all your family needs. VIOlight uses a germicidal UV bulb, the same technology used in hospitals to kill germs. Sanitization is activated with a simple push of a button. A blue-violet glow on top of the VIOlight lets you know the sanitizer is working. The entire process takes only 10 minutes. When finished, the bulb automatically shuts off and your toothbrush is fresh, clean, and safely stored for the next time you brush. The unit is approximately the same size as a standard sink-top toothbrush holder.
VioLight Replacement Bulb
Steam Vs. UV Toothbrush Sanitizing
Conclusion of Comparison Between Steam & UV Sterilizing
Looking purely at results for these two different ways of sanitizing your toothbrush there is very little to choose between them.The main points seem to be -
The UV model will store and sanitize 4 brushes, yet on the down side a bulb replacement will be needed regularly, and the bulbs power to sterilize fades long before the bulb actually fades.
The Steam model will only store and sanitize 2 brushes, yet you can use it to sanitize jewelery and other small items by using the small basket which is an optional extra available direct from the makers website.
Also, for a short time only the Steam 'Germ Terminator' Toothbrush Sanitizer comes with a free gift when buying direct from the supplier. You can access their website through this link
"The capacity of UV to kill germs is limited to areas that the light radiation can directly reach."
Toothbrush Sanitizing on Amazon
VIOlight VS100 Toothbrush Sanitizer and Storage System
Ultra-Violet (UV) Toothbrush Sanitizer - Very Popular, though note that UV Light will only gill the germs it 'sees', light can not always reach all the nooks and crannies of your brush, nor penetrate to the base of the bristle.
Amazon Price: $41.80 (as of 11/08/2009) 
Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer
Steam Toothbrush Sanitizer - The preferred choice for thoroughly sterilizing your toothbrush every time!
Amazon Price: $59.99 (as of 11/08/2009)
Why Your Toothbrush May Be Killing You Slowly: How Chronic, Silent Infections From Toothbrush Germs Cause Damaging, Long-term and Selinet Inflammation Throughout the Body
The Truth About Germs On Your Toothbrush
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
Why Steam Sterilization is thought to be better than UV (Ultra-Violet)
Ultraviolet light only kills the germ cells on which the light shines. This is why UV light is often utilized to kill germs in the air and on flat surfaces, like tabletops. But toothbrushes are anything but flat. There are many nooks, crannies, and dark areas in between toothbrush bristles that UV light cannot reach. So there are potentially millions of germs and bacteria that are left on your toothbrush bristles after the UV sanitization process.The other problem with UV light toothbrush sanitizers is that they do not provide a germ-free environment to store your toothbrush. In between brushings, your toothbrush is left damp, in an enclosed, environment, vulnerable to mold, bathroom germs, and contamination from other toothbrushes. Furthermore, most UV light sanitizers only work to sanitize the head of the toothbrush - not the handle. Many people do not wash their hands before brushing their teeth - leaving germs all over the handle that can make their way into your mouth! Only the Germ Terminator's steam and heat sanitization process can effectively kill greater than 99.9999% of germs on the entire toothbrush - even germs on the handle and hiding in the dark nooks and crannies of toothbrush bristles - and keep your toothbrush germ-free until the next time you brush.
Steam vs. UV Sterilizers
Having read the above about Steam Sanitizers would you repeat the poll -
"Three out of four patients don't change their toothbrush as often as they should."
The UV Toothbrush Sanitizer in Action
The Ultimate UV Toothbrush Sanitizer
UVZ Health Systems ESA302 Wall Mount Family Toothbrush Sanitizer
Amazon Price: $56.34 (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $69.99
this wall mounted UV toothbrush sanitizer is ideal for larger families as it has interchangeable trays and will sanitize jewelery and other small items as well as your tooshbrush. An optional extra is the Vanity Stand that accompanies this.
Facts On Toothbrushes & Oral Hygene
- In 2000, the Surgeon Gerneral of the United States released a Report on Oral Health in America. Within the report, the Surgeon General states, "Oral health means much more than healthy teeth... New research is pointing to associations between chronic oral infections and heart and lung diseases, stroke, low birth weight, and premature births.."
- CNN Headline News reported, "Hiding in those bristles [of your toothbrush] is a multitude of oral microorganisms that can lead to several health problems, including oral inflammatory diseases that you can get from your own self-contaminated toothbrush."
- "Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms."
- The Centers for Disease Control, January 2002 report - "Toothbrushes can be contaminated after approximately one month of use. These contaminated brushes may play a role in systemic or localized disease. We recommend that patients about to undergo major surgery procedures and debilitated or immunosuppressed patients be considered candidates for disposable brushes. Further, we recommend that for the general population, toothbrushes be changed at least once a month and after any illness."
- Toothbrush contamination: a potential health risk? by Richard T. Glass, D.D.S., Ph.D. & Mary Martin Lare, R.D.H., D.D.S. - "The virus for the potentially fatal diseases hepatitis A, B and C have all been found on toothbrushes. The spores of hepatitis B are particularly tenacious and can survive for months." A moist toothbrush is also a "perfect culture base for all sorts of horrible bacteria," says Harley Street dental surgeon Dr Tariq Idris.
- Recent research by Manchester University found that the average toothbrush contained around ten million germs, including a high percentage of potentially fatal bacteria such as staphylococci, streptococcus, E. coli and candida.
Take Part in the poll!
Or just see the results
The Phillips Sonicare HX6932/10
High Quality Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush With UV Sanitizing Station
Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with Sanitizer
Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 11/08/2009)
List Price: $179.99
Used Price:
Combining a highly regarded power toothbrush with the latest in UV Sanitizing is surely a good move by Phillips. The reviews this product is getting are awesome. Some do say that getting used to the 'Sonic' element which cleans even deeper by using ultrasound takes a little getting used to but most reviewers have stated this is the cleanest you can get your teeth without a trip to the Dentist!
With the built in Sanitizer it's probably the cleanest your toothbrush has ever been too!
Also available in the UK -
Treat Yourself to a New Toothbrush
Philips Sonicare Elite e7300 Power Toothbrush
Amazon Price: $99.00 (as of 11/08/2009)
Braun Oral B Professional Care Electric Toothbrush Model 8800 DLX
Amazon Price: (as of 11/08/2009)
Other Methods of Cleaning Your Toothbrush
There are a number of other methods of sanitizing your family's toothbrush, though they may not be as efficient or as effective as the sanitizers shown above they may produce satisfactory results in the short term. We will not be recommending the use of disposable brushes due to the environmental waste caused by disposing dozens of brushes a month.These methods are not as effective as using a sterilizer, yet they do provide some level of cleaning.
* Soaking your brush in medical alcohol after use. This will kill the majority of pathogens and germs on your toothbrush, though the alcohol will need replaced/refreshed after each soak.
* Soaking your brush in fresh mouthwash after use. Again this will kill some of germs & bacteria, though will need replaced after each rinse, so will be quite expensive in mouthwash.
* You could also boil your toothbrush in water for a couple of minutes regularly. This maybe very effective in cleaning terms, but is quite a pain to do after each brushing. Having said this, I'd highly recommend boiling your toothbrush once a week at least if you haven't got a toothbrush sanitizer.
Feel free to use the comments box to share any cleaning techniques that you feel other readers will find useful.
Had your realised how dangerous your toothbrush is?
Share your thoughts on your Toothbrush
alteredkat wrote...
5*...thanks for the feature...will lensroll this one back to my recycle toothbrush lens too. I had no idea they made sanitizers for toothbrushes! What a great idea!
Posted March 07, 2009
CASHMONEYSILK wrote...
5*'s for sure, I'm ultra gung-ho about oral hygiene and this is my kinda lens!!
Posted December 30, 2008
The_Book_Garden wrote...
Well E.B.,
I gotta admit, peroxide will work to sterilze your toothbrush, but it's not exactly safe! Especially if you have children.
The concentration required to do the job effectively will require regular topping up and or replacement, which will prove to be expensive over time compared with the cost of a sanitizer.
Posted July 12, 2008
E.B. wrote
Keep your toothbrush in a bottle of peroxide. It sanitizes (you see the bubbles), and makes the brush feel like a new toothbrush.
Posted July 12, 2008
sportsman wrote...
You do not realise until you are older how important it is to look after your teeth great information and resources here 5* given.
Posted June 07, 2008
Toothbrushing & Dentistry Related Links
Got a squidoo lens on tooth care, dentistry or even toothbrushes? Drop me a comment and I'll place a link here!-
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Other Dental Health Links
- BBC - New mouth bacteria species found
- A new species of bacteria has been found by UK scientists among the hundreds which thrive in our mouths. The bug, named "Prevotella histicola", is thought to contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
- BBC - Tooth-brushing 'cuts heart risk'
- Brushing your teeth could reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart attack, a study has suggested.
- Preventive care and oral hygiene
- British Dental Health Foundation Advice on Preventive care and oral hygiene
People from around the world are searching for info on Toothbrush Sanitizers
Mapping added 26th January 2009
by The_Book_Garden
Hi!
I'm currently away from the computer touring the UK in a campervan. Comments, etc will usually be approved within a few days, tho poor internet a... (more)
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