How to Sterilize a Toothbrush

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1916

How to Sterilize a Toothbrush

THE controversy regarding the desirability of the toothbrush seems to have emphasized at least this one valuable point—that the toothbrush, if used at all, must be clean. In the Dental Summary (Toledo, Ohio), Dr. Hugh W. MacMillan, a Cincinnati dentist, gives some directions regarding the proper sterilization of this common utensil, which few users seem to think requires protection of any kind from the wandering germ. Dr. MacMillan thinks that it is now generally conceded that an unsterile brush may be a greater hindrance than benefit to the health of a mouth. The toothbrush, he says, is tolerated because a satisfactory substitute or a suitable sterilizing agent for it has not been discovered. He goes on:—

“Almost everybody agrees that second to thorough mastication of coarse foods, a sterile brush, properly used, is the best agent that we can employ for stimulation of the gums and cleaning the teeth. The whole problem is to find a method of sterilizing which can be accomplished quickly and easily without destroying the brush by boiling or strong antiseptics, which will furnish the brush in a dry state preparatory to using, and which will not consume an appreciable length of time in consummating.

“After considerable thought for a simple and efficient method of mouth hygiene, the following plan seems to solve most difficulties: The patient is advised to keep an approved toothbrush and a saltcellar (preferably aluminum) as his mouth hygiene equipment. After properly brushing his gums and teeth, sufficient salt is sprinkled in a glass of warm water to make a normal salt solution (approximately half a teaspoonful of salt). This is used as a mouth wash. The brush is then held under the running water, and cleansed as thoroughly as possible. Salt is then sprinkled upon the brush. The salt is dissolved on the wet brush and penetrates thoroughly to the center of the tufts of the bristles. The brush is then hung in the usual place. When it is again needed, the water will have been evaporated, leaving a deposition of salt crystals in and around every bristle. Can you imagine germs living in such environment? Use the brush as it appears, covered with salt, or, if too salty, knock off the excess salt and apply your favorite powder.

“This procedure thoroughly sterilizes and toughens the bristles, can be done without loss of time, and provides on the brush an efficient antiseptic for promoting mouth hygiene.”—Literary Digest, April 29, 1916.