Toothbrushes tend to breed bacteria. These bacteria are also related to periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. For oral hygiene and health, people should pay attention to the use cycle of toothbrushes.
Dallas, TX (The CTP News) – If the bristles of the toothbrush are not damaged, can people continue to use it? According to research, the bacterial content of toothbrushes is amazing. Old toothbrushes that have been used for a long time may have more bacteria than toilet cover. Experts recommend the regular replacement of new toothbrushes.
Bacteria hidden in the toothbrush
According to a study by the University of Manchester, the used toothbrushes contain an average of more than 10 million bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham also found that the brushes stored in the bathroom were contaminated with fecal bacteria and other bacteria.
Dr. Tom Glass, a dental expert at Oklahoma State University in the United States, said: “Toothbrushes contain food and water, which are most suitable for bacterial growth, and most people are used to putting toothbrushes in damp bathrooms, which will lead to bacterial growth.”
Bacteria & Periodontitis
Periodontitis refers to a disease caused by bacteria infected with Periodontium. The source of this disease is “dental plaque.” The bacteria in dental plaque are mainly streptococcus, anaerobic bacteria, etc. When the number of bacteria increases, the Periodontium or gums are more likely to be inflamed due to bacterial infection.
The American Heart Association also pointed out that bad toothbrushing habits are associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Gum disease is one of the diseases “where the body may be in a sort of continual state of inflammation, and this seems to be a very powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Ann Bolger, a cardiologist, and professor of medicine emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco.
When to replace a new toothbrush
If you want to know when the toothbrush will be replaced, you can identify it from the two characteristics of “bristles have been bent” and “bristles lose their elasticity.” If the bristles are not easy to bend, pay attention to the original elasticity of the toothbrush to avoid that the bristles that lose their elasticity cannot fully remove tooth dirt.
Most dentists recommend replacing toothbrushes for at least three months. Studies have also pointed out that compared with new toothbrushes, the cleaning power of old toothbrushes with curved bristles is reduced by 40%. Moreover, the bent bristles are difficult to align with the teeth, and there is a risk of damaging the gums.
Relevant information:
Bad toothbrushing habits tied to higher heart risk
You’re probably brushing your teeth with fecal matter
People with severe gum disease may be twice as likely to have increased blood pressure
