Toothbrush Sanitizers & Sterilizers
Ranked #1,593 in Healthy Living, #33,855 overall
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 of the Germ Terminator and various reviews, go the Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer Page on Amazon.com
The Germ Terminator on Amazon
The Affordable and Efficient Sanitation Station
Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer
Amazon Price: $10.50 (as of 02/13/2012)
With over 50 reviews, mainly positive this Sanitizer is well worth having a look at. There are very few alternatives to UV sanitation stations and you may wish to protect your families oral health with the proven sterilizing power of steam rather than UV.
“The capacity of UV to kill germs is limited to areas that the light radiation can directly reach.”
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
Violight ZAPI Toothbrush Sanitizer (Silver)
Amazon Price: $13.37 (as of 02/13/2012)
How often do you replace the bulb? Well, every 18months to 2years. As the bulb ages it will become less effiecient so remember to replace the bulb before it actually stops working!
Or consider upgrading to the Steam Sanitizer!
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.
Toothbrush Sanitizing on Amazon
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 Ultimate UV Toothbrush Sanitizer
UVZ Health Systems ESA302 Wall Mount Family Toothbrush Sanitizer
Amazon Price: (as of 02/13/2012)
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."
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"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 HX6972/10
High Quality Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush With UV Sanitizing Station
Philips Sonicare HX6972/10 FlexCare Plus Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Amazon Price: $132.99 (as of 02/13/2012)
List Price: $189.99
Used Price:
Combining a highly regarded power toothbrush with the latest in UV Sanitizing is surely a good move by Phillips. The reviews this electric toothbrush 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 -
Philips HX7990 Sonicare UV Sanitizer
Good Value Ultraviolet Toothbrush Sanitzer
Philips Sonicare UV Sanitizer
Amazon Price: $47.99 (as of 02/13/2012)
List Price: $49.99
The Sonicare UV Sanitizer cleans your brush head daily with UV sanitizing technology that helps kill germs on brush heads. The reflector distributes sanitizing light around the entire top of the brush head for optimal results. One touch operation: a simple push of the button safeguards against germs. An Auto shut-off engages after the 10-minute UV cleaning cycle is complete. Fits all leading rechargeable brush head brands.
Product Details:
* Sanitize your brush head daily
* UV sanitizing technology helps kill germs on brush heads
* The reflector distributes sanitizing light around entire top of brush head for optimal results
* One touch: a simple push of the button safeguards against germs
* Fits all leading rechargeable brush head brands
* Auto shut-off - turns off after 10-minute UV clean cycle is complete
* Hygienic storage for brush heads
Treat Yourself to a New Toothbrush
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
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Reply
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Wendy Oliver
Nov 11, 2011 @ 3:28 am | delete
- After a tooth brushing session you will no doubt leave some of the bacteria that you cleaned out of your mouth on your brush head. This will be a big problem as your equipment gets older because bacteria tends to multiply and evolve the longer you leave it alone with water sources nearby. The sanitizer case is a great way to prevent this from happening and keeping your teeth cleaning equipment itself as clean as possible.
bedpan sanitizer
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debnet
May 19, 2011 @ 4:22 am | delete
- Oh yuck... I hadn't thought! Blessed by a Squidoo Angel ;)
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alteredkat
Mar 7, 2009 @ 11:43 am | delete
- 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!
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CASHMONEYSILK
Dec 30, 2008 @ 7:47 pm | delete
- 5*'s for sure, I'm ultra gung-ho about oral hygiene and this is my kinda lens!!
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The_Book_Garden
Jul 12, 2008 @ 3:26 pm | delete
- 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.
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Toothbrushing & Dentistry Related Links
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
- BBC News - Brush teeth to 'prevent' heart disease
- People who fail to brush their teeth twice a day are putting themselves at risk of heart disease, say researchers.
- Many 'too busy for a proper brush' of their teeth
- One in three adults in the UK do not brush their teeth for the recommended full two minutes per day, experts believe.
The British Dental Health Foundation found a third cut brushing short to deal with more pressing matters. - BBC News - Key reason "found" for gum and heart disease link
- Scientists say they have established one reason why gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease.
- Link between Gum Disease & Fertility of women discovered
- Experts at a fertility meeting in Sweden heard how women with gum disease took over seven months to conceive, compared to the usual five months.
People from around the world are searching for info on Toothbrush Sanitizers
Mapping added 26th January 2009
by The_Book_Garden
Hi!
Recently I have not had much time to publish on squidoo due to other commitments and distractions, though I do hope you'll look at some of my other...
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