Best Toothbrush Sanitizer: Do you need it?
Marketers convince us that it is essential to eliminate all the bacteria and offer a wide range of cleaning substances. On the one hand, you should aim to clean because certain bacteria cause infections. On the other hand, it is difficult to figure out what is necessary and what you can do without. Is a UV toothbrush sanitizer, a recent innovation, really useful? The scientists say it is. Is a toothbrush sterilizer worth buying, and how can we find the best toothbrush sanitizer among the thousands of offers? You'll find that out in this article. We will describe the toothbrush cleaner's action and answer F.A.Q.s about this device.
Why Do You Need Toothbrush Sanitizers?
You may have noticed that your toothbrush has attained an unpleasant odor while still looking brand new. Scientific research shows that a toothbrush can bear bacteria, fungi, and viruses even after a single use. Harmful enzymes are transferred on the brush from your mouth to the environment. Heat and intense humidity in the bathroom contribute to bacteria growth. Such a greenhouse effect permits the enzymes to survive for several days.
What is especially annoying is that cavities are also caused by dirty toothbrushes because instead of killing the bacteria, the toothbrush will spread them in your mouth. As a result, you'll have to consult a dentist although you brush your teeth very well. That is why you must replace your toothbrush with a new one every three months and clean the brush within this period.
The effectiveness of UV for brush sanitizing has been proven multiple times, which is why sanitizer manufacturers allege that their devices kill 99% of microbes. Certain studies show that ultraviolet is a more powerful disinfectant than 0.2% chlorhexidine.
How Do Toothbrush Sanitizers Work?
There exist several kinds of toothbrush sanitizers: sanitizing toothbrush holders, travel kits, and large family kits. Despite their differences, their action is pretty much the same. Once you put the brush into the sanitizer, a UV lamp turns on. It shuts off automatically after 5-6 minutes, and the brush remains inside the sanitizer until the subsequent use.
An ultraviolet lamp, at the core of any UV toothbrush, is an artificial source of electromagnetism (the sun is the only natural source).
Ultraviolet has a wide range of actions which vary depending on the wavelength and power. Its beneficial attributes are applied in medical devices for disinfecting air on objects. Electromagnetic waves emitted by bactericidal lamps affect the DNA of the simplest microorganisms. Bacteria and viruses stop multiplying and die when exposed to UV waves.
Such radiation is harmless for humans, given that you follow a set of safety rules. To avoid damaging your eyesight, avoid looking at the lamp when it is on. The device's lid must be shut when it works (many items' lamps shut off automatically when you open the lid).
What are other ways of disinfecting the brush?
Scientific research often mentions chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite solutions. Scientists do not doubt that these chemicals destroy bacteria, especially in lab conditions that cannot be recreated at home. In the lab, the brushes are marinated in the solution for 12-20 hours; the latter is regularly replaced and is abundant. The experiment results are, therefore not distorted.
Now imagine a bathroom where each family member has a glass of chlorhexidine. Even Sheldon Cooper, the main clean freak in today's pop culture, wouldn't bother doing this. The brush can also be boiled in a pan or a dishwasher. This is not only a troublesome method but also a least aesthetic one. In addition, it damages the brush. Generally, it's best to use a UV toothbrush sanitizer if you have set your mind on getting rid of pathogenic bacteria.
Toothbrush Sanitizers Reviews
The more you learn about bacteria and cavities, the more you want to take care of your teeth. Those who dream of instant change can try combos of a toothbrush sterilizer and an electric brush. Any electric toothbrush, even an inexpensive one, removes scale better than a regular one. We'll begin our review with state-of-the-art gadgets, such as those with sonic toothbrushes, then we'll tell you about family sanitizers and will end by covering portable units.
Philips Sonicare FlexCare Whitening Edition Rechargeable Toothbrush
This is a set for mouth hygiene perfectionists. Its high price is justified as two Philips Sonicare electric brushes are supplied. The renowned brand established clinical research, so unlike smaller manufacturers, it collects statistics regarding the device's effectiveness.
At the base of such a brush, there is an electromagnet regulating the brush hairs' motions and speed of several thousand turns per minute. An effect of irrigation comparable to professional dental hygiene is also created when a jet of water mixes with your toothpaste.
Such a brush removes enamel stains from tea and coffee and thus whitens your teeth to some extent at home, as the manufacturer claims. The buyers seem to confirm this (71% of 520 reviews give it the highest rating).
To prevent you from slacking and make you brush your teeth for at least two minutes, a timer producing sound every thirty seconds is built into the handle. Charge the toothbrush once every three weeks. A special indicator will notify you of a low battery.
The UV sanitizer is aimed at treating two brushes simultaneously. You'll have to take each of them apart for UV sanitizing, which is not very convenient to do daily, especially as a part of your morning routine. You should be aware that the price you will pay if you pick this device is charged for the electric toothbrushes and their innovative design rather than the actual UV sanitizer. The latter is a mere bonus to a kit of two replaceable Diamond Clean nozzles, a charger, and travel cases.
Sonic Toothbrush & Cleaning Station TAO
TAO Clean manufactures toothbrushes with removable nozzles and round face brushes. The main perk of the brand is that all of this goes together with a cleaning station, which is both hygienic and presentable, as it is far more pleasant to use a clean, dry brush fresh from the cleaning station rather than from a regular glass covered with scruff and filled with water. TAO Clean offers a brush stand made as a multifunctional device that can dry, disinfect and charge the brush (given that the stand is connected to a power source).
The cleaning takes five minutes and begins automatically once you insert your brush into the cleaning station. The indicator on the handle of the brush will turn blue. A UV lamp is inside the device, and it processes the brush several times a day while it remains inside the station. The device is FDA-certified.
The unique selling point of this product is the dryer inside the Cleaning Station. The heater raises the temperature inside the station by fifteen degrees letting the brush dry faster than usual. However, in real life, the brush still remains moist for a few hours.
While the brushes are the key feature of the Philips set, here the manufacturer bets on the Cleaning Station. The electric brush is quite ordinary; it has two modes, a two-minute timer and a speed of 40,000 turns per minute. Three removable nozzles are also provided. The charge of the electric toothbrush lasts for about three weeks, but naturally, you won't be able to take the entire device along on a trip, as the stand weighs about a pound.
Sonic Toothbrush Cleaning Station: Check the current price
Travel Sonic Toothbrush with UV Sanitation Case
A sanitizing toothbrush holder is a must-have when you are out because there is a huge difference between your bathroom (even if it is not perfectly clean) and a hotel bathroom where dozens of people have stayed. If you are a student traveler opting for cheap tickets and hostel accommodation, you will agree that such places leave much to be desired in terms of cleanliness.
Fortunately, a modern travel kit is not necessarily a polyethylene purse but an intelligent portable device, such as the one manufactured by Aima Beauty.
The electric toothbrush case can fit two nozzles simultaneously, which is perfect if you travel with a partner. The case itself is equipped with a USB port for charging. Moreover, the brush is UV-sanitized while inside the case. The charge of the electric toothbrush lasts for about a fortnight. However, this is undoubtedly not a disposable item but a full-scale electric toothbrush with three modes of performance and a charge indicator.
UV Toothbrush Holder Wall Mount Family Toothbrush Sanitizer
Family sanitizers help save bathroom space, especially as they let you sterilize not only brushes but also razors. Unlike stationery kits, the water does not accumulate at the bottom. Sanitizers of this type resemble one another. Only the first device mentioned has a fan and works after the button has been pressed, the other one is turned on automatically. See for yourself which is more convenient.
The first sterilizer can fit five toothbrushes thanks to special holders located at the bottom. Inside, there is a built-in drying fan (it promises full drying in four minutes) and a UV sanitizer. First, it dries, and only then does the UV lamp turn on. At the top, there is a hole for the toothpaste. This organizer can fit objects of various dimensions, such as regular or electric toothbrushes or razors.
The gadget's flexible design is also noteworthy. It is supplied with four seasonal stickers. Replace them to renew the Sarmocare device's appearance. The product link contains many videos demonstrating the gadget's action and sticker replacement.
Unlike its rival, the UV Toothbrush Holder has no built-in fan. While Sarmocare takes about twelve minutes to disinfect the brush (four minutes for drying and eight minutes for UV sterilizing), this device sanitizes for about six to eight minutes. The process begins automatically once you insert the brush in the holder and shut the door. If you open the lid during sterilizing, the UV lamp will turn off. The device also has a lamp indicator, although the plastic it is made of is semi-transparent, and you will be able to see whether it works.
Three to five regular toothbrushes or four brushes and a razor can be stored inside the gadget.
Comparing the dimensions of gadgets is crucial for owners of smaller bathrooms. The former product measures 8.7 х 4.3 inches vs. 5.5 х 4.2 inches of its rival.
However, the key difference between the gadgets is the fan. Most users praise the drying, but it is up to you to decide whether you need it.
«I truly enjoy this gadget. I normally clean my households toothbrushes a couple times a week with a white vinegar as well as hydrogen peroxide soak. This device is fantastic since it has a fan to dry out the toothbrushes as well as UV light for bacteria. Uncertain if UV really functions or otherwise for germs. I got it primarily for the drying out function and it maintains the brushes as well as tooth paste tidy in the bathroom while offering a door on the front to help protect the brushes for other germs in the bathroom. I would certainly get this again in the future and also maybe for gifts for household».
The latter product's design is fixed unless you buy some stickers on your own and decorate the gadget with them. That will cost you exactly the eight dollars you've saved.
Portable Family UV Toothbrush Holder and Sanitizer
This small white and blue device is an innovative four-brush holder. Here the brushes will not only be stored between the cleanings but also will be UV-sanitized. The sterilizing lamp is leveled to the brush in the holder. The device is equipped with a timer to shut off once the sanitation is over automatically. The process lasts five minutes.
The toothbrush storage area is questionable. The users note that non-standard brushes either simply do not fit inside or cannot be properly inserted, as the brush must be pointed towards the lamp. Another inconvenience is caused by the fact that the UV lamp turns on literally from any pressure, even when you merely change the batteries. The dissatisfied users state that the batteries, consequently, last for a few days only.
The product is sold better than most of its competitors!
One of the main advantages is that it is FDA-approved. Another design feature is that there is no dryer, but the product is equipped with a water pallet which should be emptied regularly. Otherwise, nasty scruff will form there.
Portable UV Toothbrush Sanitizers Reviews
It's high time to move on to portable sanitizing toothbrush holders. Two similar items have drawn our attention. They are individual sanitizers, and each can fit only one toothbrush.
We'll start with a Pursonic Portable UV Toothbrush Sanitizer. This has a minimalistic design, perfect for those who don't like anything extra. The main perks are this sanitizer's automatic turn-on when you close it and shut it off once you open it. All in all, ultraviolet turns off in any case after standard five-minute disinfection.
This gadget is powered only by AA batteries sold separately and not supplied!
The main advantages of this product are its dimensions (8.5x1.5 inches) and low prices. This is one of the most affordable sanitizers on the market. Moreover, Pursonic is quite a well-known niche brand.
The second UV Toothbrush Sanitizer, Ultraviolet Antibacterial Toothbrush Cleaner, resembles the previous item in terms of action but is thrice as expensive.
The device is more stylish than most of its rivals. An extraordinary backlighting signaling sanitation process is pursued. This looks rather funny in the bathroom at night.
The target audience will appreciate USB charging. They say a single charge can last through up to fifty uses.
Let's move on to the disadvantages. The manufacturer claims a record-long lamp life of up to 12,000 hours (competitors promise to work 6,000 – 8,000 hours). However, sterilizing time is half that of the rivals, only three minutes instead of six or eight. It turns out that its durability is factored by shorter working time only. Are three minutes enough for complete sanitation? The manufacturer claims they are thanks to the DUV-280nm LED high-tech chip.
The gadget's contents are replaceable, as there are spare toothbrush cases. The premium-priced rival is inferior to the previous gadget only in terms of dimensions. In any case, a 7 x 3.6-inch device can fit into a bag.
Kids' Sanitizer
Dentists insist that kids should have special brushes and pastes. Therefore, special sanitizers are also required. If you want to teach hygiene to your kids, buy this ninja set. It is much more fun to keep the brush in such a sterilizer than in a regular glass. An ultraviolet lamp kills all the viruses and bacteria within six minutes only. Three AA batteries are required to charge it. When the battery is low, a special indicator will flash. The sanitizer is sold together with the brush.
The manufacturer warns that the sanitizer must be cleaned with soap weekly. Take the egg-shaped device apart. The closing can be tight enough, and the manual even recommends using a coin to open the device.
Violife has launched a range of glossy oval holders in different colors: blue, purple, gray, black and brown. Perhaps this accessory will refresh your bathroom interior and your kid will have fun brushing their teeth.
Toothbrush Sanitizers FAQ
The American Dental Association recommends replacing a toothbrush at least once every three months, or more often if you have suffered from an infectious disease. The use of sanitizing devices does not impact this period, at least now. Up to today, the specialists haven't commented on it.
Some customers exaggerate the device's possibilities. They believe that if it kills bacteria, it won't be affected by any enzymes whatsoever. If, by any chance, mold grows, then the toothbrush cleaner does not work properly. In reality, this isn't the case. If you opt for UV, don't neglect mechanical cleaning, especially when it comes to a sanitizer holder. Rinse the brush after each use and wash the sterilizer regularly, or else it will be covered with scruff.
Ozone is formed as a reaction between ultraviolet and oxygen. An ozone smell is felt clearly after disinfecting a room with the help of a large bactericidal lamp. The UV lamp inside a sanitizer is tiny, so you might not feel the ozone smell.
Either you'll be able to see the light of the UV lamp through a transparent lamp or there will be a light indicator on the device. An average lamp life is about 6,000 – 8,000 hours, depending on the particular product. If the lamp does not work, you can try opening and closing the lid as well as checking the battery charge.
As a rule, most people store their brushes in plastic cases or put a transparent cap on the brush. This is convenient but not very hygienic, as it turns out. The plastic cap on the brush does not let the brush dry properly, hence the increase in pathogenic microorganisms. Mehta A., Sequeira PS, Bhat G. observes the risk of contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, bacteria that leads to mouth infections. Rinse the brush after use and let it dry. Do not close the plastic lid if possible.
Some people soap the brush after use, but the experts do not trust this technique as there is no proper research on the matter. Remember that the microorganisms on the brush are so well-adapted that even an anti-bacterial coating does not prevent the brush from being contaminated. The experts from the Dental School, University of Athens, Greece, have found out that triclosan covering the brush is completely useless when it comes to restraining bacteria growth, although it is effective as a toothpaste ingredient.
