Toothbrush Vulnerable Contaminated by Millions of Bacteria. Prevent In This Way
When it comes to toothbrushes, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind? A useful tool that helps keep your teeth clean and healthy? With constant brushing and direct contact with toothpaste, you may think that a toothbrush is the cleanest item in your home. However, this is simply not true — be prepared to find out the disgusting truth about your dirty toothbrush.
There are millions of bacteria and viruses living in a toothbrush
You may not believe it, but toothbrushes are home to a large number of bacteria and viruses:
- Mutans streptococcus, the cause of tooth enamel erosion, tooth decay, and dental caries
- E. Coli, the main cause of diarrhea
- Beta-hemolytic streptococcus, cause sore throat
- Staphylococci, causes skin infections
- Porphy-romonas gingivalis, cause gum disease
- Candida albicans, cause rash, dry skin, dandruff, ringworm, athlete’s foot
- Herpes simplex
- Hepatitis A, B, and C
Toothbrushes are very easily contaminated
From the sink
When you wash your hands, water splashed from your hands can stick to the toothbrush. This means that the bacteria and viruses that you are trying to remove from your hands can be brought back directly into your mouth!
From the toilet
When you flush the toilet with the lid open, bacteria and viruses from the toilet splash can stay in the air long enough to stick to any bathroom surface. If you drop a toothbrush on the bathroom floor, this is tantamount to using it to brush the soles of your feet.
How do you keep your toothbrush clean?
1. Avoid plastic packaging
If stored in an airtight container, the toothbrush won’t dry out in the time between brushing, and this encourages mold growth. What’s worse, if you keep several toothbrushes with their heads touching, bacteria and viruses can spread from one toothbrush to another, especially if a family member has a history of the disease.
2. Use the right toothpaste
Toothpaste containing triclosan or copolymer is better than ordinary fluoride toothpaste in killing oral bacteria, so it can also keep toothbrush clean.
3. Do not share toothbrushes with other people
Even if it is a member of your family, do not share toothbrushes with them as this can make bacteria and viruses spread even more easily.
4. Clean properly
Make sure to soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide or a crease remedy with antibacterial properties, especially after you drop it on the bathroom floor. Put your electric toothbrush in the dishwasher if you need to clean it properly.
5. Lower the toilet cover before turningflush
To prevent bacteria from flying freely through the air, be sure to lower the toilet cover before you flush the toilet.
6. Replace toothbrushes regularly
Remember to change your toothbrush at least every three to four months, or if the bristles are loose and frayed. Use a new toothbrush that is effective and of good quality to get rid of bacteria.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.