What's on Your Toothbrush?

Three things come to mind when I hear the word "toothbrush"--1) Clean teeth, 2) Dentist and 3) Bathroom bacteria. A toothbrush is great because it brushes away the bacteria on your teeth & in your mouth, but having an unclean toothbrush causes you to actually brushyour teeth WITH bacteria.

Studies have shown that several micro-organisms (tiny organisms that include bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc.) remain on toothbrushes. Some of them include:

• Mutans Streptococcus: the main bacteria that causes cavities
• Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus: the main bacteria that causes strep throat
  
• Candida Albicans: the main fungus that causes thrush in babies
• Coliform: the main bacteria found in the bathroom (we'll call this "toilet-bowl" bacteria, if you know what I mean)
• Herpes Simplex Virus: the virus that causes cold sores

Becuase these micro-organisms can cause multiple viruses and/or infections, and can also spread to others upon contact, it is extremely important to change your toothbrush frequently--probably more frequently than you think.

A toothbrush should be changed every 3 months, according to the American Dental Association. They should also be changed when the bristles begin to show wear (see picture below) and as soon as possible after a sickness, or cold, to prevent re-infection or infection of someone else.

Because bacteria and micro-organisms love a warm, moist environment, NEVER store your toothbrush in a container. It should be stored in a well-ventilated environment at least 6ft from a toilet (studies have shown that aerosols from a toilet flush can migrate up to 6ft). And anyone with children should label or clearly identify each child's toothbrush so that sharing is avoided.

Other interesting facts include:

• Parainfluenza virus can survive on toothbrush bristles for over 24 hours (Dr. Kim Loos - Clinical instructor University of Pacific School of Dentistry)

• A New Zealand study found that toothbrush sharing was a risk factor for transmitting the Hepatitis B virus between children (New Zealand Medical Journal)
  

• Within only 48 hours, even a new toothbrush becomes infected with potentially disease-producing bacteria, viruses, and fungi, some of which can remain alive and multiply on a toothbrush for hours and even days. (Dr. John Rippin - Head of Oral Pathology at the University of Birmingham {UK})

So don't wait for another toothbrush from your dentist. Better health can be achieved easily just by changing your toothbrush more frequently...and better yet, it may even save you a trip to the doctor!