What happens when you forget your toothbrush? What happens when you lose your toothbrush? Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget your toothbrush when packing for vacation or staying the night at a friend's. If this happens, it may be better to skip brushing than it would be to share a toothbrush. Many hotels keep extra toothbrushes at the front desk for times like these. If you are on vacation, buying a new toothbrush or checking with your hotel are the best options. Using another person's toothbrush can increase risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, diseases, viruses, and blood-borne illnesses.
Exposure to the Mouth
The risks of sharing a toothbrush can also depend somewhat on the person you are sharing a tooth brush with. We can control how we store and clean our own toothbrushes, but we cannot control how others store and clean their own. If you use a toothbrush that hasn't been stored or cleaned properly, you are exposing yourself to even more danger. Each person's bacteria is specific to them, so using someone else's toothbrush creates a high possibility that new bacteria is being introduced into your mouth. Periodontal disease can be caused by bacteria, which can lead to serious problems in the mouth.
Exposure to the Body
Aside from the bacteria that lead to dental issues and concerns, there are different things that may lead to problems in the entire body. If the person you are sharing a toothbrush with has the cold or flu, it can be easily transmitted. There are multiple viruses that are capable of being transmitted orally. Sharing a toothbrush also creates the risk of sharing blood-borne illnesses. If you or the other individual experiences bleeding gums, it can create the risk of sharing many unfortunate illnesses.
While sharing a toothbrush may seem convenient, is it most likely not worth the risk. There are other solutions to keeping your teeth healthy. If you have questions or concerns related to your teeth, or sharing a toothbrush, please call our office.
Dentist DC • Neil Starr, DDS, PC • Dental Blog Dr. Starr is offering this educational blog as a resource to our patients. Our hope is hope that our blog will cover subjects that you may be interested in. Neil L. Starr, DDS, PC, 1234 19th St NW #306, Washington, DC 20036 / (202) 293-7177 / starrteeth.com / 12/5/2023 / Key Phrases: dental implants DC /
What happens when you forget your toothbrush? What happens when you lose your toothbrush? Unfortunately, it can be easy to forget your toothbrush when packing for vacation or staying the night at a friend's. If this happens, it may be better to skip brushing than it would be to share a toothbrush. Many hotels keep extra toothbrushes at the front desk for times like these. If you are on vacation, buying a new toothbrush or checking with your hotel are the best options. Using another person's toothbrush can increase risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, diseases, viruses, and blood-borne illnesses.
