A daily habit like brushing teeth must also adapt to the new circumstances we are experiencing. Therefore, from the General Council of Dentists we have developed a series of recommendations to optimally care for our toothbrush and protect our health during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic:

Wash your hands very well with soap and water before touching the brush. Viruses pass from the hand to the oral mucosa.

Proceed with the usual toothbrushing with fluoride paste for 2 minutes, at least 2 times a day. At night, in addition, we have to associate interdental hygiene, either with silk thread or with interproximal brushes.

Rinse the brush well after each use in order to eliminate pasta and food residues. The brush can be a source of bacteria, viruses and fungi, so we must always keep it clean.

While the epidemic lasts, it is recommended to disinfect the brush head with 0.2% povidone iodine, 1% dilute hydrogen peroxide or 0.05-0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride, for 1 minute.

Dry the brush well, turning from right to left to remove excess water and moisture.

Brushes should be stored with the head up, away from the toilet (at least 1 meter) to avoid possible contamination. SARS-CoV-2 is also present in urine and faeces. The ideal is not to have the brush in sight but stored.

Brushes should not be stored in piles due to the risk of cross contamination from each other when touched.

At the end, wash your hands again well with soap and water for 40 seconds.

The President of the General Council of Dentists, Dr. Óscar Castro Reino, recalls that brushes should be changed every 3-4 months, whenever we detect that it has deteriorated or when we have undergone an infectious respiratory or digestive process: Toothbrushes are essential for proper oral health care. However, we must take the maximum precautions, especially in these moments of viral epidemic, to avoid that they can become an element of cross contamination. Following these recommendations, we are also collaborating to control this epidemic situation, "says the president of the Collegiate Organization.