HAMDEN, Conn. – Researchers at Quinnipiac University have released results of a study that definitely fall under the “Ewww…Gross!” category and might change the way you look at oral hygiene.
According to their studies, toothbrushes that are left out in the open are often contaminated with fecal particles that travel through the air when toilets are flushed – sometimes as far as six to nine feet.
The bathrooms in the study saw about nine different occupants and, regardless of the storage method, 60 percent of the toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal bacteria.
“Even if you use a closed cabinet, which is recommended by the American Dental Association, in a community bathroom, you’re still going to see fecal (contamination),” Lauren Aber, MHS, a researcher and graduate student at Quinnipiac University, was quoted as saying.
Aber still strongly recommends storing your toothbrush in a cabinet to help eliminate contamination.
But storing your toothbrush in a cover may be one of the worst ways to protect it.
“Using a toothbrush cover doesn’t protect a toothbrush from bacterial growth, but actuallly creates an environment where bacteria are better suited to grow by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the head of the toothbrush to dry out between uses,” Aber said.
The only way to completely ensure a totally clean toothbrush would be to use a new one every time you brush your teeth.
