After repeated use, even the ultra-soft bristles wear out and become hard. It happens that even a brand new toothbrush gets stuck here and there in the gums. You should take care of your toothbrush the same way you take care of any other accessory that belongs to you. Only a clean toothbrush can guarantee you good oral hygiene. A dirty, hard-bristled toothbrush is a source of bacteria and can aggravate oral problems. To learn how to soften a toothbrush, go to Step 1.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Use Hot Water
Step 1. Take the toothbrush and grab it by the handle
The bristles should be facing upwards. Open the hot water tap by running the water at medium temperature. Put it under your hand to make sure the water is hot enough.
Step 2. Keep the bristles immersed in hot water
Make sure that the bristles, immersed in hot water, are facing upwards. Hold the toothbrush in this position for 15-30 seconds. This helps to soften and prepare the bristles.
If you prefer, you can also fill a bowl with hot water and soak the bristles in the water for about three minutes
Step 3. Check the softness of the bristles with your fingers
Rub your fingers over the bristles to make sure they are as soft as you want. If you think they are soft enough, turn off the hot water. Eliminates any excess water from the bristles.
Method 2 of 4: Use a glass of water
Step 1. Fill a glass with warm water
Warm means neither hot nor cold, at a medium temperature. Once the glass is filled, put the toothbrush in the water with the bristles towards the bottom of the glass. The nylon bristles of the toothbrush absorb water and become soft and smooth.
You can also add salt to the glass of water. The salt helps soften the bristles faster and also acts as an antibacterial agent
Step 2. Let the toothbrush soak
You should let the bristles soak in water for at least 6-7 hours. This is the time it takes the bristles to soften. To avoid interfering with the softening process, place the glass in a place where you can't drop it.
The best time to place the toothbrush in the glass is just before going to bed. That way, you'll go to bed and when you wake up, you'll have a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth with
Step 3. Remove the toothbrush from the water
After 6-7 hours, remove the toothbrush from the water. Check if the bristles are soft enough by rubbing them with your fingers. If you feel that they are not as soft as you wish, put the toothbrush back in the glass of water and leave it to soak for a few more hours.
If you decide to put salt in the water, be sure to rinse the toothbrush under hot water before using it, otherwise the taste of the salt will remain
Method 3 of 4: Use the water by heating it on the stove
Step 1. Boil a pot of water
When the water boils, remove it from the hot stove and place it on a trivet or tea towel. Let it cool so that the water is unpleasant to the touch but not hot. If you dip a toothbrush in boiling water, you may melt the plastic handle.
Step 2. Put the toothbrush in the pot of water
The hot water will help weaken the bristles of the toothbrush making them softer. Leave the toothbrush in the water for 10 to 15 minutes to really soften.
Step 3. Remove the toothbrush from the water
Once the 15 minutes have elapsed or when the water has returned to a normal temperature, it is time to remove the toothbrush from the water. The toothbrush should be ready to use.
Method 4 of 4: Using Mouthwash
Step 1. Pour the mouthwash into a glass
You don't need to fill it completely. Just make sure there is enough mouthwash to cover the top of the toothbrush if it is pointing upside down in the glass. This is the best way to soften the bristles of an old toothbrush that have become hard.
You can also use 3% hydrogen peroxide instead of mouthwash
Step 2. Put the toothbrush in the mouthwash
Make sure the bristles are completely submerged in the mouthwash. The mouthwash will help weaken the bristles making them softer. Leave the toothbrush in the mouthwash for several minutes up to a maximum of one hour.
If you decide to use hydrogen peroxide, leave the toothbrush to soak for only a couple of minutes
Step 3. Remove the toothbrush from the mouthwash
Once the time has expired, remove the toothbrush from the glass and rinse it for some time under hot water. Check the softness of the toothbrush by rubbing your fingers on the bristles.
It is particularly important to thoroughly wash the toothbrush in hot water if you choose to use hydrogen peroxide instead of mouthwash
Advice
- When buying a toothbrush, always choose one that is labeled soft or ultra-soft. Toothbrushes with medium or hard bristles are not suitable for use by humans. Using these brushes on the teeth and gums can cause soft tissue and even hard tissue injuries.
- You can also coat the bristles of the toothbrush with aloe vera gel for a few minutes, then rinse it with warm water. Aloe vera has natural moisturizing effects and therefore helps to soften the toothbrush.
- Before brushing, rinse the toothbrush under hot water for 15-30 seconds. Makes the bristles softer.
