[www.keralites.net] Fwd: The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush

 

Facts You Didn't Know About Your Toothbrush You might not be aware of the fact that the personal cleaning tool you use every day is actually home to an alarming number of bacteria. According to researchers at the University of Manchester, your toothbrush holds more than 100 million bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococci (Staph). There may also be traces of fecal germs, as revealed by the University of Alabama. Your mouth itself contains hundreds of microorganisms and the plaque you're trying to brush off your teeth every morning is also a type of bacteria. This might sound slightly repulsive, but it's good to be informed and be more cautious with the hygiene of your toothbrush - something that is often taken for granted. Although bacteria will always be lurking around, maintaining a healthy balance of them may reduce the risk of diseases spreading. Take control of this by using the following tips for the best ways to store your toothbrush.   1. Avoid Exchanging Toothbrushes We are generally immune to the germs that already exist in our own mouthes, so any identical germs found on our toothbrush are unlikely to make us sick. However, when you share your toothbrush, these germs might have a diverse effect on another person. Avoid spreading germs by sticking to your own toothbrush and keeping it clean.   2. Don't Brush Where You Flush The bathroom carries a lot of germs, but if there's one place you'd want to avoid keeping your toothbrush, it's close to the toilet. Every time we flush, bacteria are vaporized so it's follows suit to store your hygienic tools as far from the toilet as possible. Make sure you keep the toilet lid closed while flushing to reduce the spread in general. You may want to store your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet to effectively minimize the possibilities of having those germs land on your toothbrush.     3. Be Aware of Your Toothbrush Holder According to the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), toothbrush holders are the third-most germ-borne household item, after dish sponges and kitchen sinks. This is rather expected since toothbrushes are often left damp. They can also pick up airborne bacteria in the bathroom, which as previously said, contains fecal germs, along with other harmful germs. Don't forget to clean your toothbrush holder regularly to keep it from accumulating germs.   4. Adopt the Right Storage Ritual   You may have your toothbrush stored away from the toilet and in a clean toothbrush holder, but still some germs are impossible to avoid. There are some things you should remember every time you're done brushing your teeth to guarantee cleaner storage.   Rinse your toothbrush well with tap water  Make sure your toothbrush dries thoroughly between brushings. Using a toothbrush cover is not a recommended, since this creates an enclosed and moist space, which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than leaving it lying down. Keep toothbrushes separate from each other to avoid germs spreading.   5. Sanitizing Your Toothbrush Some products are made with sanitizing your toothbrush in mind. These include sprays, rinses, ultraviolet light, and you may even find toothbrushes with built-in antibacterial bristles. These can help keep your brush cleaner, but they're not yet scientifically proven to reduce any risk of illness. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), what actually works well is antibacterial mouth rinse, which may reduce the number of bacteria forming on your toothbrush. One important thing to avoid is sterilizing the toothbrush in a microwave or dishwasher - this will only damage your toothbrush.   6. When it's Time to Toss It It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, to make sure it's not being overused and accumulating too much unhealthy bacteria. You may replace it even more frequently if the bristles become frayed, if you're ill, or if you have a weakened immune system. Furthermore, children's toothbrushes should be replaced even more regularly. If you use of an electric toothbrush, make sure you replace the head just as regularly, although in general, electric toothbrushes are not highly recommended for your teeth because they can further push germs under your gums rather than eliminate them.    7. Practice Good Oral Care   Other than keeping your toothbrush in the utmost hygienic conditions, you have to make sure your teeth are also in good hygiene. Keep your teeth clean by including additional dental practices in your routine such as flossing and rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. This is especially recommended before brushing, to reduce  the amount of bacteria finding their way onto your toothbrush.

 

 

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Posted by: Cool Kis <cooolkis@gmail.com>

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