No, and don’t zap it in the microwave, either! These practices will damage the toothbrush and its bristles, which can compromise the effectiveness of your oral care.
In fact, there’s really no good evidence to support doing anything beyond simply rinsing your toothbrush after using it, and storing it in an upright position, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can soak the brush in a cup of mouth rinse for 30 seconds -- then throw out the solution -- before letting the brush air-dry, says Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus, a cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y.
To avoid spreading bacteria, be sure to store your toothbrush away from those of other family members. And don’t cover your toothbrush or keep it in a closed container because these strategies will expose it to extra humidity that promotes bacterial growth.
Finally, for good dental hygiene, replace your toothbrush every two or three months.
