Uaaaah!
Intestinal bacteria on the toothbrush – how do they get there?
Colorful but unsavory: toothbrushes
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Aerosols not only distribute coronaviruses in the air, but also intestinal bacteria in the bathroom. How does this come about and how we can save our toothbrushes.
Toothbrushes are intended to refresh our mouth and, above all, to free our teeth from destructive caries pathogens. But now we have to find out that toothbrushes themselves are real germs and bacteria in transport our mouth. This is hardly surprising when you know that germs love moisture and leftovers. But what Prof. Dirk Bockmühl from the Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences found on toothbrushes astonishes and disgusts us.
On behalf of the SWR show "Marktcheck", the microbiologist examined 37 toothbrushes in the laboratory. About a million germs are apparently found by default on the bristles – but which one he has found is even more unpleasant than the sheer number.
Faecal germs were found on the toothbrushes
Bockmühl found faecal germs, i.e. intestinal bacteria, in the bristles of the toothbrushes. This is particularly dangerous for people with a weakened immune system. "If I actually find too many faecal germs on the toothbrush, it can make me sick," says the microbiologist.
How do the intestinal bacteria get on the brush?
As with corona, aerosols are to blame. Because as soon as the toilet is flushed, the fecal germs are distributed in tiny droplets throughout the room – including on the toothbrush.
You shouldn't do that
According to the microbiologist, washing the brush with hot water or cleaning it with mouthwash does not help. And if you use a protective cap, you actually make the problem worse. Because the brush dries worse under the plastic cover and the germs multiply even faster.
Why it's better to use two toothbrushes
According to Bockmühl, the only thing that really helps is to deprive the microorganisms of their livelihood, i.e. the moisture. Therefore, always let the brushes dry well or, even better, use two toothbrushes alternately, as this will extend the drying time of each brush. By the way, the "Medical Center" at New York University has been advising for a long time: Close the toilet lid before washing, so that the aerosol cloud does not even spread around the room.
How often should i change my toothbrush?
You should change your toothbrush at least every three months. Anyone who has had an infection should exchange them immediately afterwards. Otherwise, there is a risk that the accumulated bacteria will infect you a second time, says Bockmühl.
Aren't bamboo toothbrushes more hygienic?
No. Because although the antibacterial effect of bamboo is advertised, the bacterial load is no different from plastic toothbrushes. They are even more prone to mold because the bristles cannot be welded in the brush head. This creates cavities in which mold can easily form. This is why careful drying is particularly important for wooden and bamboo toothbrushes.