Toothbrushes stored in bathrooms are contaminated with a wide range of bacteria, including fecal germs, a new study finds.
Ok! So you wash your hands before eating and brush your teeth before sleeping but is that enough to keep germs and bacteria at bay? Probably not, say researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The findings of a new study conducted by these researchers revealed that toothbrushes stored in bathrooms are contaminated with a wide range of bacteria including fecal germs.
"The oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms, which can be transferred to a toothbrush during use," Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, assistant professor of periodontology in the School of Dentistry at the University of Alabama at Birmingham said in a statement. "Furthermore, most toothbrushes are stored in bathrooms, which expose them to gastrointestinal microorganisms that may be transferred via a fecal-oral route. The number of microorganisms can vary wildly from undetectable to 1 million colony-forming units (CFUs). Proper handling and care of your toothbrush is important to your overall health."
As gross as it may sound, enteric bacteria makes their way to a toothbrush in the form of microscopic droplets released from the toilet during flushing. Very recently, the Discovery Channel show "Mythbusters" looked into how contaminated toothbrushes were, even after being washed and stored. It was highlighted that all the 24 toothbrushes that were tested contained enteric microorganisms, some of which are usually not seen inside a bathroom. Other germs that could contaminate a toothbrush include staphylococci, coliforms, pseudomonads, yeasts, intestinal bacteria and fecal germs.
Fortunately, there are many ways in which people can avoid using contaminated toothbrushes. All brushes should be washed thoroughly with tap water to remove all toothpaste and waste debris from them. Additionally, toothbrushes shouldn't be stored in closed containers, especially when wet because it promotes a damp environment which works to the advantage of germs and bacteria.
The American Dental Association recommends that people should store their toothbrushes in an upright position and wait for it to dry completely before the next use. Also, it is highly recommended that no two toothbrushes should be stored together. This is to avoid cross-contamination. All tooth brushes should be replaced every three to four months.
Authors of the study also recommend using an antimicrobial mouth wash prior to brushing. Individuals should also opt for regular dental checkups to avoid plaque buildup.
