As the population continues to grow, homes are getting smaller, and bathrooms are shrinking as well. I once visited a London apartment where my head was practically in the shower while sitting on the toilet. It’s clear that homes can’t expand, which means bathrooms will keep getting more compact.
With shrinking bathrooms, the proximity between your toilet and toothbrush becomes an unavoidable reality in modern life. Each time you flush the toilet, it releases an aerosol of tiny water droplets containing fecal matter, which can rise up to 10 inches above the seat and linger in the air until they settle on bathroom surfaces. A study placed 24 toothbrushes in a bathroom, where you used two toothbrushes each morning while rinsing the other 22 daily for a month. Two additional toothbrushes were stored in an office far from bathrooms during the same period. At the end of the month, these toothbrushes were examined by a microbiologist for bacteria. Surprisingly, the results showed that even the two brushes that never entered a bathroom were covered with tiny particles of fecal matter. This study highlighted that fecal contamination is common on toothbrushes and throughout your home. It’s time to face the reality that your toothbrush is likely covered in germs. Studies suggest there’s a 60% chance that your toothbrush has been contaminated, with an 80% likelihood that the contamination belongs to someone else!
Understanding the context is essential. A single toothbrush can harbor 10 million or more bacteria, including E. coli. Furthermore, your mouth typically hosts between 100 to 200 types of oral bacteria—similar to what you might find on a bathroom floor that hasn’t been cleaned recently. While it’s impossible to eliminate all germs from your toothbrush, you can help keep it healthy by reducing exposure to harmful bacteria. Here are some points to remember:
If you store your toothbrush close to the sink, it may become contaminated due to water splashes while washing your hands or face. Soap residue from washing your face can also transfer onto your toothbrush. It’s best to keep your toothbrush inside a bathroom cabinet, away from potential germs.
Always flush the toilet with the lid closed to prevent unwanted germs from spreading throughout the bathroom.
Your toothbrush isn’t like an orange you accidentally dropped on the floor at Sainsbury’s. If it falls on the bathroom floor, the five-second rule doesn’t apply.
Dropping your toothbrush exposes it to toilet cleaner particles and other debris from your shoes. Make sure to rinse your toothbrush daily. While you can’t eliminate all bacteria, soaking it in hydrogen peroxide or using an antibacterial mouthwash once a week or after it falls can be beneficial.
If you cover your toothbrush with a plastic cap, it might not dry properly between uses, leading to mold growth.
If you store your family’s toothbrushes together, bacteria can transfer if the heads touch. In households, illnesses can spread easily through toothbrushes, especially when sharing toothpaste.
Avoid sharing your toothbrush. I admit I’ve done this in the past, especially while traveling with my husband, but I learned my lesson before writing this blog!
Consider replacing your toothbrush regularly. There’s a reason we are advised to change our toothbrush every three months. Adhering to this recommendation is vital for maintaining your dental health.
Happy brushing, everyone!