There’s a lot more to using a toothbrush than you think. And some of it could save your life!
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER SHARE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH, ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN
No matter how well you care for your own mouth and toothbrush, there are no guarantees the person who uses your brush does the same. Not only is sharing a toothbrush revolting, it can also be life threatening.
5 REASONS WHY SHARING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS LIFE-THREATENING
Gum Disease and other bacterial infections.
Gums can bleed when someone brushes their teeth. It’s usually a sign of gum disease. If you share a brush with that person you’re at risk of exposing yourself to blood-born bacteria, like streptococcus mutans, which lead to tooth decay. You are also at risk of contracting other bacterial infections that can be very destructive on the oral tissues.
Oral, Oesophageal and Cervical Cancer
The human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes these cancers can be shared via saliva or sharing a toothbrush. Best avoided at all times.
Oral and Genital Herpes
If the person whose toothbrush you’re using has Herpes Simplex Type One you could easily get oral and genital herpes. Even if the person doesn’t have the obvious signs, like a cold sore is it worth the risk?
Pneumonia
If the toothbrush is old and frayed it will probably harbour germs like lactobacillus and pseudomonas which can give you pneumonia.
Yeast infections and Diaper Rash
The fungus Candida loves to live on toothbrushes, so unless you want a yeast infection, or want to give your kid diaper rash, don’t share your toothbrush!
ONE MOUTH DISEASE YOU CAN GET FROM SHARING A TOOTHBRUSH
Periodontal Disease
The most sure-fire way of contracting periodontal disease is by sharing a toothbrush. Periodontal disease results in tooth loss and is a contributing factor in heart and lung diseases.
ONE REALLY REVOLTING REASON NOT TO SHARE A TOOTHBRUSH
If the person whose toothbrush you’re using didn’t rinse, or clean their toothbrush correctly, you’ll come into contact with whatever they last ate. Gag.
ARE YOU USING YOUR TOOTHBRUSH CORRECTLY? 5 TIPS ON HOW TO BRUSH CORRECTLY
- Tip 1: Your toothbrush should be at a 45-degree angle to the gums at all times.
- Tip 2: Use gentle, tooth-wide strokes backwards and forwards.
- Tip 3: Don’t neglect any surface area of each tooth. Make sure you clean the outer surfaces – the side that shows when you smile, the inner surfaces – the back of your teeth, and of course, the chewing surfaces of your teeth.
- Tip 4: When you’re cleaning the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt your brush vertically and brush in up and down strokes several times.
- Tip 5: Brush for at least 2 minutes. It’s not that long. The human mouth has, all being well, 32 teeth. Brushing for 2 minutes means each tooth should get just under 4 seconds of attention twice a day.
Don’t forget to floss every day.
If you need any advice about whether you’re brushing correctly call Team Dental and make an appointment now!
