Can Your Dirty Toothbrush Cause Gum Disease
Yes it may be hard to believe but the very toothbrush you clean your teeth with can cause mouth infection, gum disease, bad breath and tooth decay.
When you really think about it all those nasty little germs you scrap off your teeth stick to the surface of your brush. They can infect or re-infect gums and soft tissue traveling deep below the gum line.
What’s On The Surface Of Your Toothbrush
To reduce the risk of infection clean and sterilize toothbrush bristles.
The tips can cause lacerations in the gum sending virus’s and harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Dirty toothbrushes can cause serious health problems like heart attack, stroke, arthritis, diabetes and fatigue.
- Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus-causing strep throat
- Herpes Simplex Virus-cold sores
- Candida Albicans-a fungus causing Thrush
- Streptococcus Mutans-an acid producing bacterium which erodes tooth enamel causes tooth decay and dental caries. Its damaging effects can be travel deep into the dental pulp.
- E. Coli bacteria can be transferred from toilets to toothbrush. These airborne particles can travel up to 6 feet.
- Fecal matter- from toilets
How To Clean Your Toothbrush (Prevent Dental Disease)
- Bleach or Clorox (Sodium Hypochlorite 1 part bleach 4 parts water) soak overnight rinse and air dry
- Hydrogen Peroxide-1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water (let it soak briefly and swish about 1-2 minutes)
- Do not use a toothbrush cover
- Isopropyl Alcohol-soak overnight
- Never reuse cleaning solutions
- Boiling water-soak 3-5 minutes
- Use plastic a container and not metal to store unused cleaning formula
- Replace toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months never place in a humid environment
- Run through the dishwasher (top rack to avoid melting)
- Listerine-soak or swish briefly (40 sec)
- Vinegar-soak overnight
- Electronic toothbrush cleaners
- Close the toilet seat before flushing to avoid spreading airborne germs and toothbrush contamination
- Never share or store multiple used toothbrushes together (their contact can spread germs)
- Do not leave brush on sink counters they tend to be germ infested
In Closing
Brushing your teeth is only half of the story. You need to remove or neutralize bacteria from your toothbrush. Doing this can prevent serious gum infections and dental deterioration.
Tags: dental caries from brushing teeth, dirty toothbrush, e. coli from toilets, germs on toothbrush, gingivitis, how often do I replace toothbrush, how to clean toothbrush, nasty toothbrush, streptococcus mutans
