The Truth About Your (Repulsive) Toothbrush
January 25, 2008 by Liberty Kontranowski
Filed under A Mother's Wisdom, Easy Health Tips, Health, How To, Prevention, Your Body
Every morning and every evening you grab your trusty toothbrush and allow it to work its magic (you do, right?) Well, I’m here to tell you, that fabulous toothbrush of yours? Unless it’s brand-spaking new, it’s downright disgusting. Here are just a few of the critters hanging out on the very same bristles that are meant to “clean” your teeth. Ha.
- Streptococcus mutans – This is the head honcho bacteria in charge of dental caries.
- Beta-hemolytic streptococcus – The main bacteria that causes strep throat.
- Candida albicans – The fantastic fungus responsible for thrush in babies.
- Coliform bacteria – A common bathroom bacteria.
- Herpes simplex virus – The bad guys in charge of cold sores.
Appetizing, hm? So how does this junk get on there? Simple:
- Not rinsing food particles out after brushing.
- Laying brush on the side of the sink instead of standing it up between uses. This traps water inside the bristles and promotes bacteria growth.
- Sharing brushes with someone (Ewww!)
- Storing brushes in a way that the bristles from other family member’s brushes touch your own.
- Not shaking the water out of the bristles after brushing.
- Storing brushes in a medicine cabinet where the moist darkness invites bacteria growth.
- Keeping brushes within close proximity to the toilet. When a toilet is flushed, a fine spray or mist may be released…and find its way to your brush.
Okay, have I grossed you out enough? Obviously, doing the exact opposite of the causes above will set you back on the path to hygienic toothbrush preservation, but you may also want to snag a new toothbrush sanitizing machine or soak the brush in a simple solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide and 50% water. And, of course, experts recommend picking up a new brush every few months at the least.
I’ll confess to having shared a toothbrush… That aside, I make my own mouthwash from 2/3 water and 1/3 common measure (can’t remember the percentage, just now) hydrogen peroxide. So, the question is: If I’m not killing the buggers on the brush, will the mouthwash serve the same purpose?
I believe not many people think about looking after their brushes… it was a realy good tip.
thanks
Sam – Yuck! You shared a brush?? Oy! Must’ve been desperate times, eh?
As for your mouthwash mixture, hm, seems to me that would do the trick. Maybe make a second batch next time especially for your brush and you’ll be in business. Thanks for the recipe.
Hi Maisa,
You know, we don’t often give a lot of thought to that kind of stuff. Same is true for hairbrushes and makeup brushes.
So, you’re welcome.
Thanks for visiting and for taking the time to comment.