A member asked:

Is it actually true that boiling water will disinfect a toothbrush?

6 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Hetesh Ranchod -- Dr. Ranch answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Yes: It will likely need to be in the boiling water for some time though. I would think this would damage a lot of toothbrushes too.

Answered 1/20/2017

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Dr. Gary Sandler answered

Specializes in Dentistry

It can, but....: First, there is a difference between sterilizing & disinfecting something. Sterilizing kills all organisms. Disinfecting only kills some. Placing a tooth brush in boiling water will disinfect or sterilize it depending upon how clean it was to start & how long you boiled it for. However, it will ruin the bristles & make it substantially less effective. You can rinse it in an antimicrobial rinse.

Answered 12/10/2013

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