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Do you use a case to protect your toothbrush head? You should probably stop. According to dentists, these accessories are real breeding grounds for bacteria.
Can a small cap protect your toothbrush? Not according to several dentists interviewed by HuffPost who reveal a little-discussed truth. These plastic protections would be much less hygienic than we think.
Case + humidity: the ideal cocktail for bacteria
Thus, while some users use these protections to keep their toothbrush clean, it is quite the opposite that happens, in this box, if it is worn every day:
“Covering a toothbrush with a toothbrush case is a bad idea as it traps moisture around the bristles which is perfect for bacteria and fungus to grow” evokes Dr. Jordan Brown dentist in Florida.
Bacteria that are already in the bristles of your toothbrush in their natural state, but the wearing of a closed case increases the growth, especially if the bristles are still wet. These bacteria then end up in our mouths at the next use, risking to cause an infection.
A carrying case only
Still, the case is a practical accessory when traveling and the toothbrush is in contact with other items in the toiletry bag, such as a hairbrush, for example, or makeup, etc. If the case is not used daily, dentists are more lenient with this accessory when used occasionally.
The rule when traveling is still simple to follow: let your toothbrush dry before locking it in its case and/or using a complete protective box. You have understood it, the toothbrush is therefore better left out to dry on the basin of your rental or your hotel than locked in a small box.