Did you know that the average toothbrush contain 10 million bacteria? It is so surprising that a toothbrush has so many bacteria in it, because of how clean and safe we try to keep it, but ofcourse toothbrushes, house all these bacteria according to the study at the University of Manchester in England.
In an unbrushed mouth, there can be so many germs that can be as many as an unclean bathroom floor, according to Ann Wei.
Your toothbrush attracts bacteria from several sources, for example if you keep your toothbrush close to the bathroom sink, it gets contaminated from the splash of whatever you are washing off in the sink.
And also, if you keep your toothbrush in the toilet, then think about what will happen to your toothbrush when you flush the toilet with the lid open. According to Charles Gerba, PhD, professor of microbiology & environmental sciences, he pointed out that bacteria and viruses falling from toilet spray or plumes “remain airborne long enough to settle on surface throughout the bathroom”.
In an English study it is found that diarrhea is caused from lidless flush that flew as high as 10 inches above the toilet. Scientists don’t have evidence of how many people get sick from contaminated toilet, let alone using a toothbrush that is coated with toilet contamination.
If your toothbrush drops on the floor, know that it has come in contact with toilet spray that has settled there and also anything else that has been tracked on people’s feet.
The American Dental Association (ADA), has emphasized that although toothbrushes have been found to carry bacteria, there is solid proof that this will actually harm you.
Don’t store your toothbrush in airtight container because the toothbrush can’t dry out between brushing, which encourages mold growth. And also, if all the family store their toothbrush in the same container, the bacteria can spread from one to another if the brushes are touching each other, which is a very bad idea. This is because it is possible for germs to be transmitted from one brush to another.
here are tips on how to keep your toothbrush clean;
1. RInse your toothbrush very well after using to remove all the remaining food particles and toothpaste.
2. Don’t let your toothbrush head touch any one else’s toothbrush.
3.Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone.
4. Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.
BY: FIRDAUSI MUSA DANTSOHO
