Trent Steel
01-03-2005, 03:18 PM
Do you realize that if you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom on the sink, that is the worse place you canleave it. Think of how much bacteria is growing with the moisture content in the air.
While searching, this goes back to the sharing of tooth brush also
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms. Toothbrushes can also become contaminated with saliva and blood. In fact, the parainfluenza virus can survive on toothbrush bristles for over 24 hours.
Atmore et al. (1989) found that toothbrush sharing was a risk factor for transmitting the hepatitis B virus between children. The possibility of transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via shared toothbrushes, eating utensils, and other items was investigated in 1990 by Rogers et al. This study concluded that risk of HIV transmission is "extremely low."
Your brush is most likely to act as a disease vector if you share it with another person or if the brush is not permitted to dry completely after each use. Most bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.
Please don't let this information discourage you from brushing your teeth! Proper oral hygiene is extremely important. Just try and remember these tips:
Absolutely never share or borrow a toothbrush! Label your toothbrush so it does not get mixed up with other brushes.
Rinse your brush with clean water before and after each use. Shake it dry after rinsing.
It is best to alternate between two or three brushes. This ensures that each brush has ample time to dry before each use. You may want to soak your toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouthrinse, such as Listerine after each use.
There are ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers made specifically to kill bacteria on toothbrushes. However, I do not believe that these relatively expensive products are necessary for people with normal immune function.
Change your toothbrush at least every three months: It is easy to remember this rule if you change your toothbrush at the beginning of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Also, begin using a new toothbrush immediately after you have had a cold or flu. or if you drop your toothbrush on the floor.
Store your brush in a dry, open air location. Do not keep your brush in a cup or close to other toothbrushes, or store your brush in a plastic toothbrush case or in the shower where mold and mildew spores may be present.
While searching, this goes back to the sharing of tooth brush also
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other disease-causing organisms. Toothbrushes can also become contaminated with saliva and blood. In fact, the parainfluenza virus can survive on toothbrush bristles for over 24 hours.
Atmore et al. (1989) found that toothbrush sharing was a risk factor for transmitting the hepatitis B virus between children. The possibility of transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) via shared toothbrushes, eating utensils, and other items was investigated in 1990 by Rogers et al. This study concluded that risk of HIV transmission is "extremely low."
Your brush is most likely to act as a disease vector if you share it with another person or if the brush is not permitted to dry completely after each use. Most bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.
Please don't let this information discourage you from brushing your teeth! Proper oral hygiene is extremely important. Just try and remember these tips:
Absolutely never share or borrow a toothbrush! Label your toothbrush so it does not get mixed up with other brushes.
Rinse your brush with clean water before and after each use. Shake it dry after rinsing.
It is best to alternate between two or three brushes. This ensures that each brush has ample time to dry before each use. You may want to soak your toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouthrinse, such as Listerine after each use.
There are ultraviolet (UV) light sterilizers made specifically to kill bacteria on toothbrushes. However, I do not believe that these relatively expensive products are necessary for people with normal immune function.
Change your toothbrush at least every three months: It is easy to remember this rule if you change your toothbrush at the beginning of winter, spring, summer, and fall. Also, begin using a new toothbrush immediately after you have had a cold or flu. or if you drop your toothbrush on the floor.
Store your brush in a dry, open air location. Do not keep your brush in a cup or close to other toothbrushes, or store your brush in a plastic toothbrush case or in the shower where mold and mildew spores may be present.