whats the deal with UV toothbrush sanitizers?

[strmis]

what are your thoughts on this? Think they are just another gimmick or are they actually worth buying? (there is a sale on them on mamapedia so now I'm wondering)

[journeymom]

Why is it necessary to sanitize a toothbrush?  What important solution is this providing? Are people frequently getting sick from toothbrushes? 

If the toilet is in the vicinity of the sink, keep the lid down and keep the toothbrush far, far away.  If only for the total ick factor. 

If you get a cold sore or canker sore toss the toothbrush and use a fresh one.

Don't share toothbrushes. 

They don't hurt anything except your wallet, so I suppose if you want one and you can afford it, sure, get one.

Just be clear, it doesn't sterilize the toothbrush.  Sanitization isn't the same; it doesn't kill everything. 

This person said it better than I can:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2UY3A6TEXB6T4/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R2UY3A6TEXB6T4

[DoubleDouble]

Another gimmick. Antibacterial fear mongering and paranoia sell a lot of (useless) products.

[strmis]

Thanks for the info. I don't think I've e er even realized the concept of cleaning toothbrushes until recently. I guess I should just go with my own track record of being ok with a "dirty" toothbrush. Why start cleaning it now??

[Peo Meter]

It is very important to clean the toothbrushes and use the sanitizer because it prevents you from allergies.

Edited by Peo Meter - 3/3/12 at 4:21am

[Arianwen1174]

Originally Posted by Peo Meter 

It is very important to clean the toothbrushes and use the sanitizer because it prevents you from allergies.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who would like to know how the sanitizer will prevent allergies. The link that opens when clicking on your word "sanitizer" doesn't actually say anything about allergies. Care to share?

[journeymom]

Eh, of all of MDC's interesting parenting threads, this non-parenting related one is Peo Meter's one and only post. I'll be surprised if that changes.

[Arianwen1174]

Yeah, me too, but I couldn't help asking. I keep hoping s/he will actually answer.