Your Toothbrush’s Hidden Secrets
It’s time for your trusty toothbrush to go. Researchers at England’s University of Manchester found that a toothbrush harbors more than 100 million bacteria including E. Coli, which cause diarrhea and staphylococci that cause skin disease. These bacteria are actually from the plague in your mouth that gets transfer to your brush. “So you’re putting bacteria on your toothbrush every time you brush your teeth.”
The Transporter
R. Thomas Glass, DDS, PhD, professor of dentistry and pathology at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, states that brushing teeth actually pushes these organisms beneath the skin your mouth. These may not cause disease but could be the cause of recurring illness when immune system is low re-infecting yourself.
Sicken Toothbrush
The body’s natural defenses make it hard to get infected from brushing your teeth. But Kimberly Harms, DDS, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association advises to use caution in how we store our toothbrush especially in proximity to the toilet. Toothbrush holder can pick up bacteria swirl about in the air whenever the toilet is flushed.
Storage Tips
- Rinse toothbrush after every use.
- Keep it dry. Make sure toothbrush is dry between uses. Bacteria tend to thrive in moist environment. Toothbrush covers can recreate the moist breeding ground for bacteria.
- Keep toothbrush upright in holder.
- No Sharing. Sharing toothbrush can cause cross contamination with the other person’s bacteria. It’s like swapping germs.
Toss It
Replace toothbrush regularly to minimize bacterial growth. The American Dental Association recommends that a toothbrush be tossed every three to four months especially if bristles are frayed or if you’re sick. For electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as the disposable brush.
Good Health
Don’t skip brushing and flossing. Continue to brush and floss as often as possible to eliminate some of bacteria. Rinsing mouth with antibacterial can eliminate bacterial transfer to your brush.
Original Article:
Dental Health Pictures Slideshow: The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush
Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on Friday, August 05, 2011
