Can My Own Toothbrush Make Me Sick? 

Your dentist in North Tampa has probably told you about the germs that accumulate on toothbrushes and you’ve wondered if you should pay attention to that. It’s been proven that there are more bacteria in the mouth than anywhere else on the body – in fact, there are more than 10 million! But is this harmful to your health? Let’s see if the tool that is supposed to help you maintain a healthy mouth and fight dental plaque is making you sick.

How Do Bacteria Come in Contact with Our Toothbrushes?

They can contaminate after exposure to germs found in our toilets and the bacteria in our mouths.

Bacteria in Our Mouth

The bacteria in our mouths will undoubtedly be the most common to find on our toothbrushes. Keep in mind that there’s good bacteria and bad bacteria that can cause you dental issues.

Germs in Our Bathroom

Normally, the brushes are uncovered in bathrooms and when the toilet is flushed with the lid up, the water particles expelled by the toilet can land on the brushes.

Diseases That Can be Transmitted Through Toothbrushes

Now we know that there are many bacteria that can lodge in the toothbrush. They can be the cause of different diseases that affect not only the oral health of the individual but also their overall well-being. These are the most common viruses or diseases:

Influenza: A disease caused by the RNA virus, which can become lodged in the toothbrush.

Herpes: Condition characterized by the appearance of blisters in places such as the lip.

Streptococcus bacteria: These are other bacterial agents that can become lodged in the toothbrush and travel from there to the mouth to wreak havoc on the human body. 

Do You Need a Dentist in North Tampa? Give Us a Call!

It’s important that you pay attention to your toothbrush care habits. If you have any questions or need a dental check-up do not hesitate to contact us here at Lake Park Dental, we will be happy to help you!