Did you ever consider that the way you store your toothbrush can make a difference to your oral health? Here are a few other storage tips to keep your brush as germ-free as possible:

• Rinse it well first. Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.
• Keep it dry. Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings. Avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.
• Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down. This will allow the water drain away from the head of the brush.
• Keep your brush away from other toothbrushes. Don’t let toothbrushes touch each other if they belong to different family members. Bacteria on one brush can cross-contaminate another.
• Keep the brush at least three feet from the toilet. Studies have demonstrated the “aerosol effect” of germs when a toilet is flushed.
• Don’t hang on to your toothbrush if it’s showing wear or the bristles are splayed, which usually happens after about three months.