The Cultured Girl

I never thought I’d feel such affection for a dental product, but I truly love my new $2 G-U-M antibacterial toothbrush cover. It’s a brilliantly simple idea–why use those bulky, hygienically questionable cases when all you need to do is protect the bristles? These colorful snap-on cases also contain an agent inside the plastic that inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Even when you’re not traveling, it might be a good idea to keep these covers on. Researchers have found that brushing your teeth may actually contribute to, rather than prevent, tooth decay and gum disease. The problem is that our warm, moist bathrooms are the perfect breeding ground for those nasty germs, and when tested, the average toothbrush contained more than 2,000 bacterial colonies. An easy preventative measure? Use an antibacterial case or soak your toothbrush in Listerine for 10 minutes every night. If you’re looking for something more upscale, go for the sleek Violight sanitizer. The Philippe Stark-designed canister also banishes 99 percent on the bacteria growing on your toothbrush.