Do We Really Need to Worry About Toothbrush Germs When We Travel?

Travel Blog • Jim Benning • 03.17.06 | 4:35 PM ET

Every so often, you see people hyping products designed to fight germs or bacteria while traveling, such as portable toothbrush sanitizers. I suspect I dislike germs as much as the next guy, but I’m skeptical of the need for such products. In all my travels, I don’t think my toothbrush has ever made me sick. So I was happy to see USA Today’s Jayne Clark ask the experts about a range of products, from a portable toothbrush sanitizer to an airline seat cover, aimed at fretful travelers.

Writes Clark:

[M]edical experts say many of these products are more effective in quelling the psychological ick factor than in preventing disease. In fact, the best protection against illness is also the simplest and least costly: frequent hand washing.

“Listen to Mom. Wash your hands. Wipe your nose,” says Brian Terry, a physician at the Healthy Traveler Clinic in Pasadena, Calif.

So what about the portable toothbrush sanitizer? Save your money. Put it toward a delicious meal on your next trip, or therapy for OCD.

Writes Clark: “The CDC says it’s unnecessary to disinfect toothbrushes by this means. Terry suggests soaking the toothbrush in a mild bleach solution after a trip.”