What are the Dangers of Toothbrush Sharing? (2024)

FAQs

What are the Dangers of Toothbrush Sharing? ›

A person's mouth contains millions of bacteria and other dangerous microorganisms. Some of these can be transferred from person to person when a toothbrush is shared. Germs that cause herpes, the flu, colds and gum disease can be transferred when people share toothbrushes.

Streptococcus mutans – a harmful bacteria that is responsible for MRSA infections and tooth decay – can be found on toothbrushes, and could lead to severe illness. Even worse, when you share a toothbrush, the amount of bacteria found on it increases with every use, and you're more likely to pick up a harmful infection.

Viruses such as rhinovirus which causes the common cold, flu virus, herpes virus and Epstein-Barr virus, Ebola and bird flu virus. Infections like Hepatitis C and B and Cytomegalovirus. Bacterial infections caused by Streptococcus bacteria which can lead to dental caries and serious infections like MRSA.

Tooth brushing is most common method of maintaining oral hygiene. In removing plaque and other soft debris from the teeth, tooth brushes become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva and oral debris. These contaminated tooth brushes can be a source of infection.

If you have gingivitis, you can expose others to that bacterium through kissing or sharing drinks, utensils, and toothbrushes. Exposure to gingivitis-causing bacteria doesn't mean that you're guaranteed to develop it — you're only at an increased risk if you already have poor dental health.

If someone else has used your toothbrush, there's no way you can completely disinfect it. Everyone's mouth flora is unique, and you shouldn't be scrubbing your mouth with bacteria from someone else.

Potter then advised that you can share one toothbrush with your family — but not the regular kind. “That means with an electric toothbrush,” she explained. “You can have one handle, and multiple heads. You can have one each and just interchange them.”

Germs that cause herpes, the flu, colds and gum disease can be transferred when people share toothbrushes. Kissing a person does not involve the transfer of as many germs as scrubbing the bacteria and plaque from someone else's teeth on yours. When people kiss, they only share saliva.

The hepatitis B virus can be spread in the following ways: unprotected vagin*l or anal sex. living in a household with a person with chronic (life-long) HBV infection. sharing personal care items such as toothbrushes, razors, or nail clippers.

Sadly, the bacteria that causes cavities, which is also known as streptococcus mutans, is extremely contagious. In other words, sharing a toothbrush can actually increase your chances of getting a cavity. Similarly, sharing a toothbrush can also carry other bacteria that you should avoid.

What is the negative impact of toothbrush? ›

Wear of enamel and dentine can be dramatically increased if tooth brushing follows an erosive challenge. Gingival recession has a multi-factorial aetiology and certain individuals and specific teeth may be predisposed to trauma from tooth brushing.

What has tiny bristles, lives in your bathroom and can house five of the nastiest germs, including the flu virus? If you guessed your toothbrush, you're correct. According to researchers, there can be as many as 1.2 million bacteria on a single toothbrush.

Triclosan – a potentially harmful antibacterial agent currently used as an ingredient in some brands of toothpaste such as Colgate – has been shown to slowly build up on the bristles of toothbrushes, according to a new report.

When you use someone else's toothbrush, you expose your teeth and gums to new bacteria which may not react well with your existing bacteria. This foreign bacteria can increase your risk of catching a cold, the flu, or other germs lurking on your partner's toothbrush, even if they practice good hygiene.

You are also at risk of contracting other bacterial infections that can be very destructive on the oral tissues. The human papillomavirus (HPV) which causes these cancers can be shared via saliva or sharing a toothbrush. Best avoided at all times.

While kissing can transmit “bad” bacteria to your mouth that contribute to gum disease, gum disease itself is not contagious. It's not that kind of disease! Most of these “bad” bacteria already live in your mouth. Even if some are transmitted to you through a kiss, it won't matter very much.

Only about 18% of people said they would share a toothbrush, while almost 83% said they would never share a toothbrush. Despite that, nearly 75% of couples are more than happy to tell their partner when their breath smells bad.

You can also disinfect your toothbrush by swishing it in an antibacterial mouthwash for 30 seconds. If you don't have mouthwash, you can use 2 teaspoons of baking soda mixed into 1 cup of water instead. Soaking your toothbrush in white vinegar once a week may also help disinfect it.

Per the ADA, you should not share your toothbrush since toothbrushes can harbor bacteria. Sharing a toothbrush can result in exchanging bodily fluids, bacteria, and viruses.

Don't share toothbrushes

Ensure that each family member has their unique toothbrush, so you don't mistake another toothbrush for yours! Even toothbrushes that are cleaned frequently shouldn't be used among multiple people because it increases infection risk.