Toothbrushes should be rinsed well with tap water after brushing to ensure the removal of toothpaste and food particles. They should then be air dried and stored in an upright position. If several toothbrushes are stored in the same holder, there should be enough space between the toothbrushes so that they do not touch each other. Each toothbrush should be labeled with the child's name.

It is not necessary to soak toothbrushes in bleach water or other disinfecting solutions. Toothbrushes do not need to be placed in dishwashers, microwaves, or ultraviolet devices to disinfect them. These methods may damage the toothbrushes. Toothbrushes should not be covered, and they should not be stored in closed containers. Toothbrushes need to dry in the air so that bacteria doesn't grow on them. Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, or more if the bristles look worn or flared.

Performance Standards

1304.23(b)(3)

References

American Academy of Pediatrics, American Public Health Association, and National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child Care. 2002. Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards--Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care. (2nd ed.). p. 250. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association. http://nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/index.html">http://nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/index.html">http://nrc.uchsc.edu/CFOC/index.html.

National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2002. The use and handling of toothbrushes. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm.