Health
You’ll bristle at this bad news.
The disgusting truth is that your toothbrush could be harboring mold and bacteria, according to Dr. Ellie Phillips, a dentist based in Austin, Texas.
“Many people are fully aware now how dangerous mold can be, and you may be working to get rid of mold in your house and in certain areas,” she said in a TikTok with more than 1 million views.
“But one of the places people forget is their toothbrush.”
Humid environments — like that of your bathroom — are a haven for mold growth on toothbrush bristles, she explained.
She advised against brushing your teeth in the shower, despite the allure of efficiency, as the moisture from the steamy water can allow bacteria to fester.
In addition, toothpaste can make shower floors slick, and electric toothbrushes should not be submerged in a stream of water, according to some experts.
Storing toothbrushes near toilets is also a no-go, she cautioned.
Experts have previously warned that toothbrushes could fall within the splash zone, so to speak, of the bacterial toilet plume during flushing, recommending that closing the lid or stowing the toothbrush away from the toilet is key to keeping it clean.
While you can’t boil the head of a toothbrush to sanitize it, Phillips recommended allowing it to dry completely for 24 hours between uses in a “ceramic donut” holder.
To maintain optimal mouth hygiene and brush twice per day, two toothbrushes are necessary.
“Use one toothbrush in the evening and a different toothbrush in the morning, so it has 24 hours before you’re going to use it again,” she said.
But for those who only use one toothbrush, the American Dental Association recommends replacing standard toothbrushes every three to six months, while some experts advise soaking the bristles in antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds to clean it.
Earlier this year, a dental hygienist encouraged her TikTok followers to share an electric toothbrush with their family to cut costs, buying multiple different detachable heads for the same body.
Meanwhile, other dentists sounded alarms about potentially dangerous TikTok trends that could harm people’s pearly whites, including homemade toothpaste “recipes” that forgo fluoride.
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Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
