How to Store Electric Toothbrush Heads

Co-authored by Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Last Updated: June 29, 2022

If you prefer using an electric toothbrush over a manual one, you may be wondering about the best ways to store the toothbrush heads. For every type of toothbrush, you'll want to take some specific precautions of storing the brush heads safely to reduce germ contamination. You have some choices on how exactly you do this, and you'll also want to follow some guidelines on when to replace your toothbrush head.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Traveling with an Electric Toothbrush

1
Store your brush in a travel case if it comes with one. Some electric toothbrushes come with a travel case, though these models may be more expensive. Some allow you to store multiple heads in the case, so that if you are on a long trip, you can bring extra heads with you to replace them while you're gone.^{[1]
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- Philips Sonicare 2 Series and Quip electric toothbrushes both come with easy to use travel cases.
2
Get a generic travel case if your electric toothbrush didn't come with one. You might want to bring your toothbrush to the store to make sure it will fit in the travel case. If you have a common electric tooth brush model, the travel case may also state that it fits your electric toothbrush model.
- You can find generic electric toothbrush travel cases online or in most pharmacy stores. Ask a store employee for assistance.
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3
Buy a toothbrush that comes with a vented travel cap. Instead of a travel case, some electric toothbrushes come with a snap-on cap so you can keep the bristles clean while traveling. Simply take the cap off before use and for long enough after use that your bristles have a chance to dry.
- Oral-B makes electric toothbrushes that come with travel caps, and they also sell travel caps separately. Violife is another brand that makes electric toothbrushes that come with travel caps.
4
Make your own washable travel case if you don't have one. Use the handle of your toothbrush to measure a pocket for it in the center of a washcloth. Using a needle and thread, sew 2 lines to create the center pocket in the washcloth. Make two other pockets of about the same size on either side of the center pocket for your toothbrush heads.
- Insert your toothbrush handle and heads into their pockets. Fold the top down to protect the toothbrush and roll it up. Use about 18 inches (46 cm) of ribbon to tie it together.
- To keep the travel case clean, simply wash the washcloth in the washing machine.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Storing Multiple Heads at Home

1
Let your brush heads air dry in an upright position. Drying your brush head in open air will stop the growth of microorganisms better than closed containers, and will help protect you from germs.^{[2]
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- Avoid placing your brush in a cabinet or other closed container where air circulation is reduced. Your brush will remain moist for longer and may grow more bacteria.
- Store brush heads on countertops, near the sink, or on the wall in holder pockets.
2
Keep your toothbrush head 3 feet (0.91 m) away from the toilet. There is an aerosol effect of germs spreading when a toilet is flushed. You want to keep your toothbrush as far away from these germs in the air as possible, especially if you don't close the toilet lid before every flush.^{[3]
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- If you have a small bathroom, consider keeping your toothbrush on a counter in the hallway or bedroom to keep it far enough away from the toilet.
3
Buy a special electric toothbrush head stand for a simple choice. There are stands made specifically for electric toothbrush heads, by companies that sell electric toothbrushes. Find one at your local pharmacy or shop around online to find a good price.^{[4]
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- Unless multiple people in your household share the same electric toothbrush motor for their individual heads, you also have the option of just standing your electric toothbrush up on a flat surface between each use.
4
Use a shallow glass or jar to avoid spending extra money. Use a small glass or jar that you already have to store your electric toothbrush heads. Just be sure to position each brush head away from the others if you are storing multiple brush heads in each jar.
- Baby food jars would be a good size to store individual electric brush heads. You can even personalize them with paint or stickers.
5
Make a vertical wall pocket from a towel to avoid using the counter. Fold a hand towel ¾ of the way from the bottom and sew the sides with your sewing machine. Create individual pockets by sewing a line straight up from the bottom, stopping at where the pocket would end.
- Attach a suction cup hook to each upper corner of the towel and attach your wall pockets to the wall with the suction cups.
6
Build your own holder with blocks for a creative choice. Use some Legos or wooden building blocks to create your own shallow holder for your toothbrush heads. Let your kids build the Lego ones while giving them guidance about how big it should be.
- If you're using wooden blocks, use wood glue and allow the glue to dry according to the instructions on the bottle before placing your toothbrush heads inside.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Replacing Your Toothbrush Head

1
Replace your toothbrush head at least every 3 months. All toothbrush heads should be replaced regularly to ensure that they are not becoming a nest for germs. If your bristles show signs of wear or you get sick before the end of the 3 months, replace your toothbrush head sooner.^{[5]
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2
Check your bristles for wear regularly. The ends of your bristles can start to fray or discolor if your toothbrush is exposed to heavy use. If you notice frayed, bent, or discolored bristles, replace your brush head even if it has not been 3 months since you got it.^{[6]
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- Children's toothbrush heads may need replaced sooner than adult ones if they strenuously brush or bite the bristles.
3
Get a new toothbrush head after you've been sick. If you're getting over a cold or other infection, it's wise to replace your toothbrush head each time. Germs can linger in the bristles and cause you to become sick again. Similarly, if your brush head has been exposed to some serious dirt or germs, like a toilet or a filthy sink, replace it immediately.^{[7]
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- Do not try putting your toothbrush in the microwave or dishwasher to sanitize it. These methods may in fact damage your brush bristles and lead to a decrease in its effectiveness to clean your teeth.
4
Buy new toothbrush heads in bulk to save money. Certain electric toothbrush models have the option to buy their heads in bulk. Look on Amazon or other shopping sites for bulk ways to buy your replacement heads.^{[8]
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- Store your replacement heads in the original box until after it's open, and once you open it, in a sealed plastic container.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I keep my electric toothbrush head clean?

Jeremy Silverman, DMD
Dentist
Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Dentist

Expert Answer

The most basic and simple way is to thoroughly rinse and clean your toothbrush after each use, then dry and store it in a protective case. It is important to remember, though, that the main benefit of brushing our teeth comes from the mechanical disturbance of bacterial colonies found within dental plaque and not from the complete removal of bacteria.
Question

How do you disinfect a toothbrush head?

Jeremy Silverman, DMD
Dentist
Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Dentist

Expert Answer

Some brands of electric toothbrushes include a UV disinfecting unit. If these aren’t included, they are available to purchase online. Simply put your toothbrush head in the UV unit after each use.