No matter what type of toothbrush you use, storing it in the bathroom can compromise your dental hygiene. Research indicates that 60% of toothbrushes kept in bathrooms harbour harmful bacteria such as Serratia, Escherichia coli, Giardia, and Salmonella. These bacteria can spread through toilet flushes and lead to gastrointestinal diseases. Additionally, studies have found bacteria on sink handles, tiles, doors, and toothbrushes themselves. Many people place their toothbrushes near the toilet sink or in cabinets. Here’s why you should remove your toothbrush from any location in your bathroom:
- Bacteria are everywhere
Bathroom surfaces can harbour bacteria, even after regular cleaning with various detergents and disinfectants. Activities such as showering, washing, using the toilet, and brushing your teeth can aerosolize germs and other microbes, sending them into the air. These particles can settle on toothbrushes and nearby surfaces, making them unsanitary and potentially leading to illness.
- Humidity
Bathrooms can be quite humid, particularly when they lack windows. Storing a toothbrush in a damp room or inside a cabinet can encourage the growth of bacteria and mold, which might lead to illness and infections. If you use a holder, make sure to rinse it regularly to prevent mold buildup. Additionally, rinsing the water off your toothbrush after use can help reduce mold growth.
- It’s close to the toilet
The toilet is where you pee and excrete. Water splashes and airborne particles can contaminate your toothbrush next to the toilet. This happens when sinks and toilets are near one another in the bathroom, which is usually the case.
So, what should you do? Keep your toothbrush away from the toilet, wash your toothbrush before using it, keep it upright, and use a toothbrush cover.
