To protect your toothbrush from harmful germs, you should:

To protect your toothbrush from harmful germs, you should:

• Leave it out in the open air
• Store it in a closed container
• Soak it in an antibacterial mouthwash
• Microwave it for 15 seconds

The American Dental Association recommends rinsing your toothbrush with tap water after you use it, then letting it air dry. Keeping it in a closed container creates an ideal moist environment for the growth of bacteria.

According to the ADA, "there is no clinical evidence that soaking a toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth rinse or using a commercially available toothbrush sanitizer has any positive or negative effect on health." And using a dishwasher or a microwave could damage your toothbrush.

Experts recommend following similar advice for retainers or other dental devices that you put in your mouth, although additional disinfection with a denture cleanser may be recommended. Ask your dentist about the proper way to care for any particular dental devices that you may be using.