Clean toothbrushes are no sure thing - Brief Article

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 2003

Chances are that the average consumer does not give much thought to the cleanliness of a toothbrush after buying one from a store. Many people rinse their toothbrushes in between uses in an effort to eliminate some of the built-up bacteria, but what leftover particles from the manufacturing process are lurking in among the bristles?

Two toothbrush manufacturers did not return phone calls from Nutrition Health Review. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) do not list any type of guidelines for toothbrush sanitation, and there are no guidelines for toothbrush sanitation set by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Many products on the market can be used to sanitize toothbrushes and eliminate almost all bacteria. Methods vary from ultra-violet light saturation to trivalent oxygen.