Doctor reveals a disturbing fact about your toothbrush—are you cleaning it enough?
- Replies 7
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article does not constitute medical advice. We recommended our readers to consult their general practitioners before implementing any of these suggestions.
In the realm of personal hygiene, there's one small tool that often gets overlooked despite its daily use—the humble toothbrush.
It's a critical part of our oral health routine, but how often do we consider its cleanliness?
A recent revelation from a doctor has left many stunned and rethinking their toothbrush hygiene practices.
Emergency doctor Dr Joe Whittington highlighted the importance of cleaning our toothbrush bristles with soap and water every night to combat the accumulation of harmful microorganisms.
'Every single night, you should be washing your toothbrush bristles with soap and water,' he advised.
'This practice helps prevent the introduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth and can greatly impact the amount of bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth.'
The connection between oral and cardiovascular health was recognised in recent studies.
'So, a clean toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque, which is crucial not only for dental health but potentially for preventing cardiovascular disease as well,' he added.
Dr Whittington suggested soaking the bristles in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash once a week for those looking to take toothbrush sanitation to the next level.
A 2011 study stated that keeping your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is economical to minimise bacterial growth.
However, suppose you start experiencing symptoms like a sore or scratchy throat. In that case, it's time to bid your toothbrush farewell and replace it.
Paramount Dental Sydney's group of dentists also warned that a toothbrush can harbour over 100 million bacteria.
'It's not believed that your toothbrush will directly cause health problems; however, looking after your toothbrush through regular cleaning and proper storage will assist you in maintaining your oral hygiene,' the group said.
A 15-minute soak in antiseptic mouthwash or 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide is recommended to disinfect your toothbrush.
However, soaking for too long can damage the bristles.
If you prefer a more natural approach, vinegar can also be an effective disinfectant.
Dr Whittington's advice resonated with many, garnering over 39,000 views and several comments on the video.
'So this is actually something I've never done. Definitely will be now! Thank you,' one commented.
'Literally watching this after just buying three new toothbrushes because one of my kids has strep,' another shared.
'Thanks for this information! It makes sense!' a third exclaimed.
Despite the overwhelming support for Dr Whittington's tip, some remain sceptical about the advice.
'Not washing my toothbrush with soap. Not happening,' a comment wrote.
You can watch Dr Whittington's tip here:
Source: @drjoe_md/TikTok
Oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health, and taking care of our toothbrushes is a simple yet effective way to support our well-being.
Have you been diligent about cleaning your toothbrush? Or is this a new concept you'll incorporate into your daily routine? Share your thoughts and tips with us in the comments below!
In the realm of personal hygiene, there's one small tool that often gets overlooked despite its daily use—the humble toothbrush.
It's a critical part of our oral health routine, but how often do we consider its cleanliness?
A recent revelation from a doctor has left many stunned and rethinking their toothbrush hygiene practices.
Emergency doctor Dr Joe Whittington highlighted the importance of cleaning our toothbrush bristles with soap and water every night to combat the accumulation of harmful microorganisms.
'Every single night, you should be washing your toothbrush bristles with soap and water,' he advised.
'This practice helps prevent the introduction of bacteria, viruses and fungi in the mouth and can greatly impact the amount of bacteria and plaque build-up in your mouth.'
The connection between oral and cardiovascular health was recognised in recent studies.
'So, a clean toothbrush is more effective at removing plaque, which is crucial not only for dental health but potentially for preventing cardiovascular disease as well,' he added.
Our trusty toothbrushes need some care and cleaning too, according to several healthcare professionals. Image Credit: Pexels/Anna Shvets
Dr Whittington suggested soaking the bristles in hydrogen peroxide or antibacterial mouthwash once a week for those looking to take toothbrush sanitation to the next level.
A 2011 study stated that keeping your toothbrush in a small cup of hydrogen peroxide is economical to minimise bacterial growth.
However, suppose you start experiencing symptoms like a sore or scratchy throat. In that case, it's time to bid your toothbrush farewell and replace it.
Paramount Dental Sydney's group of dentists also warned that a toothbrush can harbour over 100 million bacteria.
'It's not believed that your toothbrush will directly cause health problems; however, looking after your toothbrush through regular cleaning and proper storage will assist you in maintaining your oral hygiene,' the group said.
A 15-minute soak in antiseptic mouthwash or 3 per cent hydrogen peroxide is recommended to disinfect your toothbrush.
However, soaking for too long can damage the bristles.
If you prefer a more natural approach, vinegar can also be an effective disinfectant.
Dr Whittington's advice resonated with many, garnering over 39,000 views and several comments on the video.
'So this is actually something I've never done. Definitely will be now! Thank you,' one commented.
'Literally watching this after just buying three new toothbrushes because one of my kids has strep,' another shared.
'Thanks for this information! It makes sense!' a third exclaimed.
Despite the overwhelming support for Dr Whittington's tip, some remain sceptical about the advice.
'Not washing my toothbrush with soap. Not happening,' a comment wrote.
You can watch Dr Whittington's tip here:
Source: @drjoe_md/TikTok
Oral hygiene is a cornerstone of overall health, and taking care of our toothbrushes is a simple yet effective way to support our well-being.
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so must do something .
