TOOTHBRUSH SANITIZERS AND SWINE FLU - WHY YOU NEED A TOOTHBRUSH SANITIZER

Toothbrush sanitizers are a relatively new product, developed to help keep toothbrushes bacteria free between uses.

Designed to fit either one individual toothbrush or those of a whole family at a time, versions also exist that act as toothbrush holders as well as sanitizers to keep brushes secure and bacteria free in between brushes.

 

After extensive testing scientists have recently discovered that up to one hundred million bacteria can exist on a single toothbrush. Toothbrush X100 These bacteria can cause coughs, colds, sore throats and swine flu as well as stomach bugs, gum disease and tooth decay. Bacteria start to grow on a toothbrush within one week of first use and continue to multiply throughout the life of the toothbrush unless it is treated to destroy them.

Toothbrushes are particularly susceptible to harbouring bacteria due to the fact that they are damp for long periods of time. Bacteria from our mouths also colonise the toothbrush and multiply. Another factor is that toothbrushes are frequently stored in the same room as a toilet. Upon flushing, without the lid being closed, a fine aerosol of bacteria is released into the air. This can then settle on the toothbrush and multiply.

 

Toothbrushes that are not able to dry out in between brushes, for example those kept in a closed container, are particularly prone to building up bacteria. Wherever possible you should ensure that your toothbrush is able to dry between uses as this makes it harder for the bacteria to grow.

 

Another source of bacteria upon toothbrushes is where bacteria are transferred from another toothbrush stored with it. Often all of the occupants of a house store their toothbrushes in one single place, frequently a cup, and this can allow the heads of the toothbrush to touch transferring bacteria.

 

Toothbrush sanitizers claim to be able to remove 99.9% of the germs that live on a toothbrush. They do this either through the use of ultraviolet light or through a combination of steam and dry heat. The makers of sanitizers which utilize ultraviolet light claim their product is superior as it uses the same system as that used by hospitals. However, the maker of steam and heat sanitizers claim that their product is superior as ultraviolet only works where the light touches meaning that certain areas of the toothbrush may not be completely sterilised.

 

Some sanitizers work quickly and toothbrushes are removed after a few minutes. Others can be used as toothbrush holders and claim to keep toothbrushes germ free until next use.

 

Whether a toothbrush sanitizer is used or not, certain hygiene rules should be observed for toothbrushes. Firstly, toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months at the most. Toothbrushes should be rinsed after use and allowed to dry thoroughly. Where possible they should not be stored in the open in a room where there is also a toilet. For patients that are particularly vulnerable to illness additional steps should be taken to ensure that bacteria are not able to grow freely on the toothbrush.