Gaby
“It’s time to pay closer attention to your toothbrush,” said renowned Singaporean doctor Samuel Chowdhury. According to the expert, the most alarming fact is that many people often store their toothbrushes near the toilet. This exposes the hygiene tool to various harmful substances, including bacteria and viruses.
“Did you know that when you flush the toilet, bacteria can spray up to significant heights? If your toothbrush is drying next to the toilet, you might be brushing your teeth with more than just toothpaste,” Dr. Chowdhury warned.
Is the Expert Overstating the Issue?
The doctor recalled a 2015 study in which researchers analyzed the microbes on the toothbrushes of dormitory residents. The results revealed that 60 percent of the brushes contained traces of fecal matter, as reported by the Daily Mail.
According to the expert, storing this essential item in a case only worsens the situation. The reason is that a closed space creates a very favorable environment for bacteria to thrive.
How to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean?
Dr. Chowdhury shared some simple tips for proper toothbrush care.
First, it should always stand upright so that water can drain freely.
Second, it should be replaced every three to four months.
Third, it should be kept as far away from the toilet as possible. When flushing, it’s advisable to keep the lid closed. The expert also added that the bathroom should be well-ventilated.
Meanwhile, researchers at the China University of Geosciences conducted a study that confirmed flushing the toilet releases a large number of tiny droplets into the air. According to the scientists, among the most common harmful bacteria carried through the air in bathrooms are E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Inhaling these can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses or respiratory infections.
Study leader Wajid Ali believes that combating these threats requires improving ventilation in bathrooms.
