Every morning and evening we trust our usual tool for oral hygiene, but toothbrush often becomes a source of danger itself. Research shows that bristles can harbor millions of microorganisms, including staphylococci and E. coli. Understanding why this happens can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Ideal incubation environment
A bathroom is a specific room with a special microclimate. Combination high humidity and constant heat creates conditions reminiscent of a Petri dish.
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Moisture between bristles: The brush remains wet after use. If it does not have time to dry completely before the next use, a stagnation zone forms inside the bristle tufts, where bacteria divide exponentially.
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Organic residues: Even with thorough washing, microscopic particles of plaque, epithelium and proteins may remain between the villi. This is great nutrient medium for pathogens.
Open space effect
Many people are accustomed to storing hygiene products on open shelves or in cups near the sink. This opens the way for aerosol pollution. When flushing a shared bathroom, tiny drops of liquid can spread over a considerable distance, settling on all surfaces, including your brush.
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Contact with surfaces: If the brushes of several family members stand in the same glass and their heads touch, cross contamination.
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Lack of ventilation: Using sealed caps on a wet brush will only aggravate the situation, creating a greenhouse effect that fungi and mold love so much.
Material wear and microcracks
Over time, the material from which the bristles are made (usually nylon) loses its smoothness. At the microscopic level appear microcracks and notches. In these lesions, bacteria become so firmly established that they cannot be washed off with running water. This is why it is critically important to comply replacement mode accessory every three months or immediately after infectious diseases.
The hygiene of the instrument itself is no less important than the technique of brushing your teeth. Regular thorough washing and storage in an upright position in a dry place significantly reduces the risk of active growth of unwanted microflora. A clean brush is the foundation of a healthy smile and overall well-being.
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