We are committed to continuously improving access to our goods and services by individuals with disabilities. This website is currently being updated to enhance the usability and experience for persons with disabilities. If you are unable to use any aspect of this website because of a disability, please call 6038805151 and we will provide you with prompt personalized assistance.

Call Us 603.880.5151

Dental Blog

Request a Dental Appointment

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Make Appointment

You NEED to Know What is Lurking on Your Toothbrush

Posted on: August 23rd, 2016 | Posted by | Posted in Dental Tips

If you share a bathroom, then there may be something contaminating your toothbrush.

According to a study done by researchers at Quinnipiac University, sharing a bathroom with a roommate or partner may mean that your toothbrush contains that person’s fecal matter. 60% of the toothbrushes that were collected in the study tested positive for fecal matter, and to make it worse, there was an 80% chance that the fecal matter on the toothbrush didn’t belong to the owner of the brush.

This happens when the toothbrush is stored out in the open, perhaps in a cup on the sink, and bacteria from the toilet has the opportunity to infect it. When you flush the toilet, with the lid up, fecal particles rush up into the air and can land on the nearby toothbrush.

So how do you protect yourself from contamination? The researchers in the study found that using a toothbrush cap or cover was actually less sanitary, because the toothbrush doesn’t get a chance to dry. This allows bacteria to stick around on the toothbrush.

The best way to protect yourself from the potential fecal matter bacteria on your toothbrush is to rinse it well before and after use. If possible, store your toothbrush upright, in a place where it can dry, away from the toilet. This is the best way to avoid contamination.

603.880.5151

0 Profile Circle | Nashua, NH 03063 | 603.880.5151

Blog|
Request an Appointment
To book an appointment please feel free to call us 603.880.5151 or complete the form below.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Terms and Conditions

Here at Nashua Dental Group, we work diligently to protect our patient's rights and privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what HIPAA has identified as electronically protected information (ePHI). Unfortunately, despite the best efforts we make or take, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the box, and electronically making an appointment, you understand that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Nashua Dental Group will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may not illegally intercept this communication. As a result of continuing, you are sending this transmission and accepting the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. As an alternative, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

Disclaimer

The information presented here is not intended or implied to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should be used for informational purposes only.