Toothbrushes are often kept visibly over the sink in the bathroom. Although it is considered practical to have a toothbrush at hand, this can pose a great risk to our health. A Florida dentist, Dr. Jordan Brown states that you are not aware of the fecal particles that get on your toothbrushes and shares that there is an easy test to find out if your toothbrush is contaminated with feces.
TO FIND OUT IF YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS CONTAINED WITH FEET
Dr. “If you can see your toilet and toothbrush in the same view without moving your head, there’s a 99% chance you have fecal matter on your toothbrush,” explained Jordan Brown. Dr Brown advised his followers to flush the toilet with the toilet closed to prevent fecal contamination. Previous studies have found that a single toothbrush can harbor more than ten million bacteria.
“Aerosols in the toilet squirt into the air and get everywhere. That includes your toothbrush,” Brown continued. In 2015, Quinnipiac University scientists discovered the theory of brushing where you flush, testing the “transmission of fecal coliforms” in university communal bathrooms. The study showed that toothbrushes “can act as a vector” for toilet bacteria, viruses and parasites.
TOOTH BRUSH COVER CAUSES BACTERIA
But before you rush to buy a toothbrush case, heed the researchers’ warning. “Using a toothbrush sleeve doesn’t protect the toothbrush from bacterial growth, but actually creates a more favorable environment for bacteria to grow by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the toothbrush head to dry out between uses,” study author Lauren wrote.
THEY CARRY DEADLY BACTERIA
Lead author Professor John Crimaldi said of the fecal particles we can’t see from the toilet. Experts from the University of Colorado have found that the feces and urine particles that come out of the toilet when you flush it carry deadly bacteria like E. coli.