Your dental care starts with that toothbrush

Recently, a video clip went viral on social media. It showed a gecko licking a toothbrush kept in a holder on the hand wash stand in the bathroom. So scary was that clip that it made some people took a decision on keeping their tooth brush either in their bags or a tightly fitted container. […]

Recently, a video clip went viral on social media. It showed a gecko licking a toothbrush kept in a holder on the hand wash stand in the bathroom. So scary was that clip that it made some people took a decision on keeping their tooth brush either in their bags or a tightly fitted container.

 But how safe can we keep our toothbrush? Majority of people leave their toothbrush in a holder in the bathroom where we engage in bathing, defecating and flushing the toilet after use with the toothbrush naked in the holder. 

 The toothbrush is said to harbour more than 100 million bacteria including E. coli and staphylococci (Staph) bacteria. A research found that fecal germs find their ways on the bristle of our toothbrushes if left in the bathroom, especially when the toilet seat is not covered when flushing.  

 Where you store your toothbrush in your bathroom is important, stated MedicineNet.com. “In most bathrooms, the toilet is very close to the sink, where most people keep their toothbrushes. Every time you flush bacteria are released into the air and you don’t want that bacteria to get on your toothbrush.

 An Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene Research Centre at Old Dominion University, USA, Gayle McCombs, said it is just common sense to store our toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible, adding that the toilet lid should be closed before flushing to minimize the spread of bacteria onto our toothbrush.

 The toothbrush should be stored upright, in a holder which will allow the water drain away from the head of the brush to allow the brush air dry thoroughly. Having access to good air circulation when not in use will keep it away from bacteria.

 

Toothbrush storage tips

Here are some storage tips to keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible:

• Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.

• Let your toothbrush dry thoroughly between brushings. Don’t use toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.

• Keep your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.

• Don’t ever use anyone else’s toothbrush, or let someone use yours. 

• Keep toothbrushes separate. If toothbrushes touch each other they can swap germs.