UV LED Flashlight and the Toothbrush

I was wondering if this is a good idea or not. Since the toothbrush is a source of bacteria, I'm thinking that maybe shining a UV flashlight at the bristles from time to time would kill the little buggers. Any thoughts?

It takes high intensity UV radiation to kill bacterica. So if you have a powerful enough UV light with the right wavelength of light sure.

There are quite a few UV toothbrush sterilizers available so the principle is certainly sound, as 65535 says though, having the correct wavelength is critical.

http://cgi.ebay.com/UV-TOOTHBRUSH-S...yZ108691QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

So much for the UV torch idea. The other thing I was wondering; would cleaning the bristles with ordinary anti-bacterial soft soap do the job?

why not store it in a cup of listerine?

AlienRFX said:

why not store it in a cup of listerine?

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I don't stock that.

OR, allow it to thoroughly dry.

The two UV wavelenghts that are best for sterilization are 185 & 254nm.

Of course if you want to buy something premade for toothbrushes, here you go:

1.) http://herrington-catalog.stores.yahoo.net/w410.html

Hydrogen Peroxide?

LowBat said:

So much for the UV torch idea. The other thing I was wondering; would cleaning the bristles with ordinary anti-bacterial soft soap do the job?

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You can run it through a dishwasher. The very hot water takes care of business.

EngrPaul said:

Hydrogen Peroxide?

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I bought a cheap plastic spray bottle and replaced the cap of a bottle
of hydrogen peroxide with the sprayer part. It fit perfectly. I just spray a little onto the brush.

Alcohol is one of the most used steralizers out there. Just swish it around in a cup after you brush and rinse the brush off then but it away and let the acohol dry.

microwave for one minute on high to serilize anything.. including your pets.

65535 said:

Alcohol is one of the most used steralizers out there. Just swish it around in a cup after you brush and rinse the brush off then but it away and let the acohol dry.

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Use a little Scotch. That way you do not have to mess up the sink pouring it out.

Something about toothpasty scotch blech.

65535 said:

Something about toothpasty scotch blech.

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Vodka?

toothpasty anything blech!!!

UV is useless since it cannot penetrate the bristles and reaches down to the base where the bacteria grows.

Boiling hot water and microwave are both simple and easy to do.

OR try what I do and just don't worry about it.

Why do you care about the bacteria on your toothrush so much? I'm sure you have a lot more bacteria in other places. At least your mouth is better suited to handle it, you really should be worrying about keeping bacteria out of your eyes and nose if you want to keep from getting sick. Just my 2 cents, but then, I'm like the opposite of a germaphobe hehe...

N162E said:

Vodka?

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what a waste for good vodka! :tsk: