Toothbrushes - a paradise for germs
All content is checked by medical journalists.Bacteria feel particularly comfortable on toothbrushes. Some brushes are in no way inferior to a trash can or toilet in terms of germ diversity. The best strategies against the microbes.
There is a lot of activity in the oral cavity: staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas, even intestinal bacteria - researchers have tracked down up to 600 different bacteria in human mouths. Many of them get into the mouth through toothbrushes. The small nylon brushes, which are supposed to keep the tongue and teeth clean, are the perfect breeding grounds for germs: constantly moist and interspersed with the smallest particles of food residues and oral mucosa. This is the ideal food for bacteria.
Bacteria on the bristles
Intestinal bacteria cannot only get to the brush through the hands. Tiny drops thrown into the air by the toilet flush can also find their way onto the bristles. This is pointed out by a team led by dentist Prof. Maria Geisinger at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Of course, things can also be less adventurous - tooth cups, cosmetic racks or towels are bacterial nests that toothbrushes come into contact with particularly often. Not only is this a gross notion - it can be a health risk. Bacteria mainly damage teeth and gums. It becomes critical when the immune system is weakened or the tiny pathogens find their way into the bloodstream through wounds in the mouth. Chronic inflammation in the mouth, such as periodontitis, even increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Refraining from brushing your teeth at all is of course not an alternative. The German Society for Dental, Mouth and Maxillofacial Medicine (DGZMK) accordingly recommends regular and careful cleaning of the teeth with a brush.
For personal oral hygiene and the effective removal of bacterial plaque, it is not only important to brush, but also to care for and store toothbrushes, says Geisinger. If you heed the following advice, you will make life difficult for bacteria.
Rinse and disinfect thoroughly
Rinse your toothbrush regularly under running water. Especially after brushing, it is important that toothpaste and food scraps are washed from the bristles and that no food for bacteria is left behind.
In addition, you can dip your toothbrush in antibacterial mouthwash and thus eliminate at least some germs. The dentist also recommends rinsing your mouth with mouthwash every time you brush your teeth.
Air dry brush
Bacteria like moist breeding grounds. Therefore, keep the toothbrush open in the fresh air - preferably in an upright position. This is the best way to dry it.
The toothbrush should preferably be completely dry before the next cleaning use. This works best if you use two to three toothbrushes alternately.
Replace regularly
At least every two to four months, it's time to part with your toothbrush and get a new one. If the brushes are frayed or worn, you should treat yourself to a new one sooner. A new cleaning utensil is also recommended after a cold or cold sore.
To each his own
It is best to keep your toothbrush separate from others - then no germs can jump over. Especially if one in two toothbrushes is sick, the toothbrushes should not come into contact. As nice as the idea of sharing is, keep your toothbrush to yourself. Otherwise you will really heat up the bacteria party.
And even more tips
In addition to the tips on toothbrush care, there are other pieces of advice you can take to heart:
First, don't feed your oral bacteria sugar! Otherwise they produce acid that damages the teeth in the long term. The DGZMK recommends a balanced diet and as few sugary snacks as possible.
Second, make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Fluorides harden the tooth surface and thus protect it from acid attacks. In addition, fluorides inhibit the growth of bacteria.
Thirdly and lastly, go to the dentist regularly and treat yourself to a professional teeth cleaning. This also tackles bacterial foci in the gum pockets.
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