What’s on your toothbrush?

What is it that we use multiple times a day that we probably don’t think much about? Quit? It’s our toothbrush, that skinny little thing that some of us keep in our bags, others in their lunchbox, and of course we all have one in our bathrooms.

But have you ever wondered what’s on your toothbrush? I bet you haven’t!

Your toothbrush is a Petri dish! Why? Well, for one thing, he lives in an outhouse (bathroom), if we take him with us, he’s usually in a closed zip lock bag or plastic container, with no room to breathe. In addition to being confined, the poor thing gets hot and all kinds of things multiply in it!

Did you know that some bacteria and viruses can survive for a week on a toothbrush? Yes! Things like herpes simplex virus, influenza, and strep, which leads to gum disease, are just a few of the germs and bacteria that can lurk on your toothbrush.

Since most of us since the dawn of time have always kept our toothbrushes in a toothbrush holder or glass container that we share with others in the bathroom, the thought of germs never crossed our minds.

However, according to the Academy of General Dentistry, contamination from brush contact can occur, since most families keep their brushes in a pile on the counter or in a cabinet. Bacteria that can cause oral infections (such as gingivitis and/or more serious gum disease) can be spread from one family member to another through toothbrush contact.

Toothbrushes that are stored on a counter or in a toothbrush holder are vulnerable to contamination from airborne bacteria, such as from flushing a toilet. As gross as it sounds, it seems scientists commonly find coliform bacteria (E.coli) on toothbrushes. If it gets into the bloodstream, E.coli can cause a serious infection.

Here are some interesting facts for you to ponder. According to research scientists, the human mouth can have more than 500 different bacterial strains residing in that warm, moist place.

The bathroom is the most germ-ridden place in the house, with the bathroom sink first, followed by the floor and toilet seat.

Germs from your toilet can atomize and spray up to 20 feet when you flush if the lid is not closed.

Excess toothpaste left on your brush is an invitation for bacteria to join.

So what should a person do to promote good toothbrush hygiene?

  • First of all, never share your toothbrush with anyone.
  • Clean and dry your toothbrush after each use and store it upright in an open container and store it in the medicine cabinet. If you share a container with other people, don’t let the brushes touch.
  • Brushing with a stiff bristle brush can damage your teeth and gums. Use a soft brush and brush gently.
  • Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or whenever the bristles appear worn or split.
  • During my information search for this article, I found an interesting “gadget” that actually has the answers to the germ and bacteria problems I’ve been discussing. I really find merit in this product, so much so that I buy it as an individual gift for my family.

    I have included some of the information I found about this product for your perusal.

    Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer:

    When you hear steam coming out, you know it’s clean. Finally, there’s a safe, simple, and completely effective solution to the messy problem of toothbrush germs, and it makes a lot of sense. There are actually a few methods, but only one is the safest, most reliable and most effective: Germ Terminator toothbrush sanitizer. Using Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer is hands down the best way to ensure your toothbrush is completely germ free. Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer uses the proven power of steam to kill all germs, bacteria, viruses, fungi (mold and yeast), and any other nasty microbes that may have built up on your toothbrush. Most importantly, Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer also provides a clean, germ-free environment where your toothbrush can be safely stored until the next time you use it.

    Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer is completely unique with its patented germ-free storage and steam sanitizing system. With the pre-measured Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer Cup, simply add a little water to the sanitizer unit. Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer generates a continuous burst of germ-killing steam that safely, efficiently and effectively kills over 99.9999% of all germs tested in major laboratory tests with no germs detected after any test . Again, all you need to do is add water!

    You may have heard of other methods of cleaning your toothbrush, such as soaking it in bleach, hydrogen peroxide, or mouthwash, boiling it, putting it in the dishwasher, exposing it to ultraviolet light radiation or ozone, or simply letting it air out free. dry to get rid of germs. Some of these techniques might work to kill some of the germs, but they are essentially ineffective and/or potentially dangerous to your health.

    With numerous patents worldwide and patents pending, Germ Terminator Toothbrush Sanitizer is the most effective, natural, easy-to-use, and safest device ever created to sanitize your toothbrush. It only takes a few seconds of your time and could be one of the most important health decisions you can make for you and your family. It just makes sense. When it comes to something you put in your mouth, the bottom line is “CLEAN has to be better than DIRTY.” How can anyone argue with that logic?