Can Your Toothbrush Make you Sick?

Can Your Toothbrush Make you Sick?

Every morning you wake up and the first thing you would do is brush your teeth. Did you know that your toothbrush houses about 100 million Bactria?

Researchers from top universities across the world have found that a toothbrush contains a lot of bacteria including E.

coli and Staphylococcus sp, yeast fungus, and Streptococcus. It sounds gross right but you need not go into panic mode because these bacteria can also be found in the mouth.

Are you confused?

If yes, it is not surprising a lot of people tend to get surprised.

This article explains, in brief, the dental bacteria basics and whether your toothbrush can make you sick.

Your mouth is full of bacteria

Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria.

The bacteria that live in your mouth are called the oral normal flora.

The bacteria are not something to worry about until it is under the right balance. Once balance falls out, a lot of oral problem such as tooth decay, cavity occurs.

The balance gets affected when you eat foods that the microbes love.

When you consume foods such as sugary food that microbes love they start feeding on them and multiply.

When microbes multiply, it goes beyond the normal concentration and causes problems like bad breath, cavity, or gingivitis.

The balance also gets disrupted when you introduce bacteria from outside, for instance through your brush.

When you use a contaminated brush, you introduce a lot of bacteria into the mouth and affect the balance of normal flora.

How you brush may affect oral health

If you brush your teeth harder, you might push the germs in on the surface into the gums. As these bacteria reside in your mouth, you won’t get sick from them.

You have to worry only if your immunity is low. If your Immunity is low, there are a lot of chances for re-infection.

The mystery behind your teeth 

Breeding of germs can be a problem when the brush is not cared for properly.

Though you won’t get an infection from something that helps you keep your teeth clean, you must care for your brush and keep it clean.

The immune system of the human body fights against the bacteria that enters through the gum and protects you from getting sick.

Here are some ways to protect your brush from contamination and eliminate the chance of illness.

Don’t brush near the flush

Where you store the brush is highly important when it comes to oral hygiene. Most people store their brush near the washbasin adjacent to the toilet.

Every time you use the toilet and flush it, tons of bacteria release into the air. The bacteria in the air can stick to the nearby brush and find their way into your mouth. It is a no-brainer to keep your brush far away from the toilet.

Keep your toothbrush near a sink that is outside the toilet or store it in the medicine cabinet. To prevent the spread of bacteria in the air close the lid every time you flush.

Use toothbrush holders

A study by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) reveals that toothbrush holders are the third most germs-containing household item after dish sponges and kitchen sinks. To prevent the multiplication of germs in your toothbrush holder, clean it regularly.

Tips to store your toothbrush

Once you have moved your toothbrush away from the toilet and have cleaned the toothbrush holder, here are some ways to store your toothbrush and keep it germ-free.

  • Clean your toothbrush thoroughly under running tap water before and after you use it.
  • Allow your toothbrush to dry thoroughly before you use it the next time.
  • Don’t make use of toothbrush covers as they can trap moisture in the enclosed space and make it a breeding ground for bacteria.
  • Keep the toothbrush upright in the holder, rather than lying it down on a surface.
  • Don’t ever let someone use your toothbrush, or use someone else’s brush as it leads to the spread of bacteria.
  • If you are staying with your family keep toothbrushes separate, if the brushes touch they can spread bacteria.

When to change your brush

Most dental experts advise people to change toothbrushes every three to four months. You can also change the brush if the bristles get frayed. If it is an electric brush, replace the head alone with a new bristle.

Bottom line

You won’t get sick through your brush with proactive hygiene measures. Follow a proper oral routine and prevent bacterial spread.

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