One thing I started doing: after cleaning, I prop the tank open with a spoon so it really dries out. Kind of janky but hey, whatever works.
I do something similar—just leave the lid off and let it air out. Makes a huge difference with that funky smell. Swapping brush heads more often is key too, especially if you smoke. I’ve noticed if I wait too long, the bristles start to look stained and feel rough. Haven’t tried vinegar yet, but might give that a shot next time.
Honestly, letting it air dry is underrated—I’ve been doing that for years and it helps so much with that stale smell. I’m a big believer in swapping brush heads every couple months, especially since I smoke too (old habits die hard). Vinegar’s not bad, but I find it leaves a weird aftertaste unless you rinse like crazy. Baking soda works in a pinch, but nothing beats just keeping things dry.
Honestly, letting it air dry is underrated—I’ve been doing that for years and it helps so much with that stale smell.
Totally with you on the air-dry method. I used to just toss my toothbrush in a cup and forget about it, but then I realized it was basically turning into a science experiment by the next morning. Now I let it chill out on the windowsill, and yeah, it’s made a huge difference. Way less of that “morning-after-the-cigarette-party” aroma.
Swapping brush heads is something I wish I was better about. I’ll admit, sometimes I’m pushing three months, especially if I forget to grab a new pack at the store. But when I do swap them out, it’s like my mouth gets a little reset button—fresh bristles just hit different.
Vinegar...man, I tried that once and it was like brushing with a salad. No matter how much I rinsed, there was still this ghost of vinaigrette haunting my mouth. Baking soda’s not bad, but if you go overboard, it feels like you’re chewing on chalk.
I’ve also started leaving my brush in the sun for a bit—UV rays and all that. Not sure if it’s actually doing anything scientific, but hey, at least it feels cleaner? Plus, sun-dried toothbrushes just sound fancy.
Morning breath as a smoker is brutal though. Even after brushing, sometimes I feel like I need to gargle with rocket fuel to get rid of it. Anyone else notice that? Or maybe my taste buds are just permanently confused at this point...
Anyway, keeping things dry seems to be the way to go. Less fuss, less funk. If only there was an easy fix for the rest of the smoker’s breath situation...
I totally get the struggle with stretching out those brush heads. I always tell myself I’ll switch them on time, but if I’m being real, sometimes that “new brush” feeling just has to wait till payday. Still, you’re right—when I finally swap, it’s like my mouth gets a fresh start. Sun-drying is genius though... never thought of that. I’ve tried those fancy UV cases, but honestly, the sun is free and does the job just fine (at least in theory). As for smoker’s breath, I swear some mornings even toothpaste feels like it’s waving a white flag. Mouthwash helps a bit, but nothing beats quitting... which is definitely easier said than done.
There’s just something about that first brush with a fresh head—it’s like your teeth suddenly remember what “clean” is supposed to feel like. I’ve definitely pushed mine way past their prime, mostly out of laziness or budget. Sun-drying does make sense, though I always wonder if it actually kills much or just bakes the gunk in. As for the smoker’s breath... yeah, quitting is the only real fix, but until then, I swear by a tongue scraper. It’s not magic, but it helps more than mouthwash alone, at least for me.
