When sleeping at another person’s house, it’s not uncommon to unpack your bag and realize that you’ve forgotten your toothbrush. Some people simply share their toothbrush, especially if it is their significant other or their children. Even for those who practice proper oral hygiene, sharing a toothbrush is never a good idea.
While sharing may seem like a simple solution, you should always make sure that you’re using your own toothbrush or a new one. Let's look at why sharing your toothbrush with another person can be a bad idea.
Bacterial Growth
When sharing a toothbrush, the number of bacteria found on the toothbrush will be increased after every use. Therefore, if you’re sharing a toothbrush, there will likely be twice as much bacteria present on your toothbrush by the end of the day.
The most common bacteria found on your toothbrush is known as beta-hemolytic streptococcus. These bacteria have been known to cause a person to fall ill if an infection develops in the mouth. Symptoms may include fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing. Furthermore, these bacteria are known as the ones that cause strep throat, which can be a rather unpleasant experience to have to deal with.
Any time that you share your toothbrush, you’ll be increasing your risk of developing and spreading this, as well as other bacterial problems with the person you’re sharing it with.
Higher Risk of Bacterial Infection
Children often share their toothbrushes because they don’t know any better. Usually, sharing a toothbrush will not cause any serious problems, however, it put you, or your children at a much higher risk of infection.
The increased risk is caused by the number of bacteria found in our mouths, which can be spread to another person by sharing a toothbrush. Furthermore, if the infection is left untreated, there are several much more serious complications that may present themselves.
Disease-Causing Viruses
Most of our toothbrushes are covered in germs and can easily transmit viral infections such as the cold sore virus from one person to another. If one person has a health concern, you’ll be putting yourself at risk of developing it as well.
By sharing a toothbrush, you’re at a much greater risk for contracting oral herpes or developing periodontal disease (gum disease). Sometimes, when we brush, our gums may bleed, and this represents the perfect gateway for disease to get into your body via your bloodstream.
Wearing Out Your Toothbrush Faster
You should always be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and for no less than two minutes. Therefore, if you’re sharing your toothbrush, it will be used twice as often and cause the bristles to wear out much sooner. A worn-out toothbrush can cause the bristles to scratch your gums, which can cause the gums to start receding away from your teeth.
So, as you can see, while it may seem like a good idea to share your toothbrush if it’s just for one night, it’s much better to avoid it at all costs and either run to the store to buy a new one, or simply wait until the next day when you can use your own toothbrush at home.
Need to schedule an appointment with a leading Bridgewater, NJ area dentist? Call Brook Dental Associates today at(732) 469-6662.
