Never store toothbrushes together in one cup
Good question! In this section, Health Net is looking for answers to nagging questions. This time: should you replace your toothbrush if you’ve been sick?
If you have just had a cold or, for example, had the (stomach) flu, you are probably inclined to change your bed, open the windows and clean your toilet thoroughly. And you might even throw your just-new toothbrush or expensive brush head in the trash. Get rid of those germs! However? Or is it not necessary to replace your toothbrush at all if you have been sick?
First of all, it has not been scientifically proven that cleaning your house after having a virus prevents someone in your family from getting sick again. It’s probably more of the ‘good, fresh feeling’ it gives after being sick.
To throw away or not?
What is important to see if it is necessary to clean and throw away is what exactly you have had. If you have had a stomach flu, it is indeed wise to clean your toilet and throw away your toothbrush – especially if you have also vomited.
If you’ve had a cold, you don’t need to. It is better to rinse the toothbrush well under hot water. Toothbrushes and brush heads can also be run in the dishwasher in a hot program. Make sure that the hairs do not bend.
How often should you replace your toothbrush?
Even if you have not been ill, it is necessary to replace your toothbrush regularly. Someone who brushes their teeth twice a day should actually replace their toothbrush after about 10 weeks. After those 10 weeks, the toothbrush slowly but surely loses its effectiveness. After this period, the toothbrush also has more and more trouble removing plaque. This applies to both the regular toothbrush and the brush head of the electric toothbrush. If there are signs of wear sooner, it is always better to replace the attachment or toothbrush.
Never store toothbrushes together in one cup
Many people store the toothbrush together in a cup on the sink in the bathroom. Did you know that this is not useful at all? When they come into contact with each other, bacteria spread. So don’t put all electric toothbrushes next to each other! And never share a toothbrush with a family member.
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