Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?
When somebody in the household gets sick with the cold or flu, it won't be long before the entire family is feeling ill, as well. Germs pass from one person to another, more so between people who live together, because of unhygienic habits. Storing and cleaning the toothbrush is one of the most overlooked aspect of home life that potentially spreads diseases. A badly kept toothbrush can also cause oral infections and other chronic health illnesses.
Don't Share That Toothbrush
Toothbrush sharing is vile but also intimate. Some new couples validate their new romances by sharing toothbrushes. Don't do it! Sharing the same toothbrush is not like exchanging bodily fluids while kissing. Toothbrush bristles get into the crevices of the gums and teeth, pushing germs deep into the tissue. The body has many natural defenses against infections, but become vulnerable when there is a tear in the tissue, something that happens often in the mouth. You might have bitten your tongue or gum, flossed too forcefully between the teeth or scratch the gum with hard brush bristles.
Don't Cover Toothbrushes
People put plastic covers on the toothbrush head thinking it protects it from airborne germs. And it does, but the confined and moist environment toothbrush covers create also exponentially increases the amount of germs already on the toothbrush. Toothbrush covers help when packing for trips, because it keeps the bristles from collecting dust and other dirt on the bottom of your bag. Wrapping your toothbrush in paper is even better when travelling, because paper is disposable and absorbs extra moisture while protecting bristles from getting dirty. In the bathroom, keep the toothbrush out to dry in a cup holder, away from the toilet bowl. Don't crowd several toothbrushes in one holder to avoid cross contamination.
Rinse Under Running Water
After use, rinse your toothbrush under running water to remove as much debris as you can and dilute germs on the toothbrush head. Every now and then soak the entire toothbrush head for a few minutes in mouthwash or a solution of salt and warm water to disinfect. The American Dental Association recommends that you change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Replace children's toothbrushes even more frequently, as they wear out much faster. Since there are so many different kinds of toothbrushes, quality and durability differs. Change your brush when it looks too worn or dirty, rather than waiting for 3 to 4 months to pass.
Some people clean their brushes by heating it in the microwave or leaving it in a dishwasher. This can damage some toothbrushes but could work for others. These methods and the use of mouthwash and sanitizing solutions to clean toothbrushes, are not supported by the American Dental Association, because there is no clinical evidence to show that they actually suppress bacterial growth. But, if some rituals make you feel better, and they work for you, don't give them up if it helps you have consistent hygiene habits.