Where do you keep your toothbrush? Chances are you keep it in the bathroom, on the sink. Very logical, but your toilet is probably not very far from here. This is a dirty idea, but is it really unhealthy? We’ll find out.
Is keeping your toothbrush near the toilet unhealthy?
Your toothbrush is an object that you use in your mouth. Because of this you actually want it to be as clean as possible. And your toilet is not necessarily the cleanest place in your house. When you go to the toilet and flush, bacteria and feces residue can become airborne, which can then end up on your toothbrush. You don’t see it but it is there. That’s a dirty idea. In the worst case, the bacteria and microorganisms that end up on your toothbrush can make you sick. In addition, it is important to take into account the fact that your bathroom is a humid environment. This allows bacteria to grow faster, or even mold, ew!
How should you store your toothbrush?
Okay, now that we know this, you probably want to put your toothbrush somewhere else. Logical, but before you panic, it is good to know that the chance that you will actually get sick from your toothbrush is very small. As long as your toothbrush is in the bathroom, the exact place where you put it doesn’t really matter at all. After all, we live in a world full of bacteria, and your toothbrush is no exception. However, we recommend not putting your toothbrush too close to the toilet. This isn’t because we think it poses a serious health risk, but because it’s just gross. The closer your toothbrush is to the toilet, the greater the chance that remnants of your feces will end up on it. There is little scientific evidence to show that these leftovers actually make people sick, but it is technically possible. We recommend storing your toothbrush upright so that it can always dry completely between uses. Do not place this in a closed cupboard, as this creates a moist environment that can cause more bacterial growth. The best way to keep your toothbrush clean is not to share it, to rinse it well after you are done using your toothbrush, and not to let the brush come into contact with other toothbrushes. Finally, we recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months.
