The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush

Your toothbrush may be nastier than you think. Find out when to ditch it.

As you reach for your toothbrush each morning, you may not realize what’s hanging out on its bristles.
Toothbrushes can become contaminated with oral microbial organisms whenever they are placed in the mouth, says Sharon Cooper, PhD., a clinical associate professor at the University of Florida College of Dentistry.

Viruses and bacteria from an infected person’s mouth can live for weeks on a toothbrush surface, and continue to cause illness, notes Dr. Cooper.

Even normal, healthy microorganisms can cause infections, especially if they enter your gum tissue due to an injury, a break, or an oral ulcer, she adds.

Toothbrushes don’t have to be sold in sterile packaging, so they may have bacteria right out of the box, says the American Dental Association’s official statement on toothbrush care. So what should you do to avoid getting sick from your toothbrush?

Keep It Clean

You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush, since you’re wetting it every day to scrub your teeth. However, it’s important – and easy – to do. How?

Wash it. Give your toothbrush a thorough rinse with tap water to remove debris. If you have a systemic illness or immune disorder, you may want to soak it in antibacterial mouthwash or run it through the dishwasher, Dr. Cooper says.

Try deep cleaning. There are many types of toothbrush sanitizers on the market, Dr. Cooper says. Some use ultraviolet light to kill microorganisms.

Store it properly. After use, don’t pop that wet toothbrush back into your medicine cabinet, drawer, or bathroom cup and forget about it. Store it upright, in a rack or cup, where it can dry out. Look for a cover that lets air circulate and prevents mold but isn’t completely sealed. The lack of air can foster bacteria.

When to Call It Quits

How long should you keep a toothbrush to prevent the ick from building up? Here are a few useful tips:

Know when to let go. Replace your toothbrush about every 3 to 4 months, or when it shows signs of wear. Frayed bristles will not clean the teeth and gums adequately, Dr. Cooper says.

Toss toothbrushes after illness. Throw away a brush you or anyone in your home used while sick. Yes, that means all toothbrushes. Treat electric or power models the same way you handle an old-fashioned one. Chuck the brush attachment after an illness or when the bristles begin to show signs of wear, Dr. Cooper says.

No Sharing

Tempted to lend a toothbrush to a family member? Don’t. Toothbrush sharing can transfer saliva and bacteria – even the kind that cause tooth decay. Tooth decay is considered an infectious disease – one more reason not to share or borrow a toothbrush,” Dr. Cooper says.

SOURCE: WebMD

More Posts

All Dental Fillings Are Not Created Equal

A Guide to Options in Tooth Filling Materials Most of us know that when you visit your dental office with a cavity, your dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then “fill” the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. Fillings are also used to

emergency dentist roseville

Find a Trusted Emergency Dentist in Roseville, MN

When a dental emergency strikes, every minute matters. Knowing where to turn brings instant relief, whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a crown, or developed sudden, severe pain. If you need an emergency dentist in Roseville, contact the caring professionals at Personal Care Dentistry. With decades of combined experience, Dr.

Do You Suffer From Xerostomia?

Do you go through life with your mouth constantly dry? Does it feel like the Sahara Desert has taken up residence in your mouth? If you answered yes, then you may be suffering from xerostomia – commonly called dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by a lack of saliva. We

Dental Checkups Are A Key to Fighting Oral Cancer

Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. While alcohol, smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus. This virus is

Schedule an Appointment

Fill out the form below and will be in touch with you soon!

*All fields are required for a successful submission.