Most effective way to clean a toothbrush?

merlin1

and yet people are happy to go for a tattoo where they use a water spray to clean?

i know that tattoos have nothing to do with a toothbrush - but, the spray from the water onto open wound pushes blood born molecules into the air to be absorbed by nostrils and or eyes. these are blood born diseases, however a loo flushing is what every household does. toothbrush in a bathroom is alot safer imho

Lugh_Chronain

frosty wrote: »

I decided to keep a glass of milton in the bathroom for my toothbrush because I read in a magazine that when you flush the loo the germs can be spread about 6 foot in the air and land on surfaces and toothbrushes:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Yes, I've heard of that too. It does make you think doesn't it.

Or perhaps we're overreacting here as I can’t remember ever having health problems due to personal mouth care. Perhaps that’s owing to a strong immune system that has been exposed to deadly bacteria and germs.

mumto1 wrote: »

that's why my toothbrush isn't near the loo......

mumto1 wrote: »

you are supposed to buy a new one eery 3 months anyway as the bristles wear out, even if it doesnt' look like it.

Who says? Your dentist, the toothbrush company? There's a lot of money to be made on toothbrushes. And at £2 a pop that's quite a killing when you consider how many toothbrushes are sold.

I change mine every year. I bought loads of Reach toothbrushes from the 99p Store saving me tons and the hassle of having to go and buy one whenever I need a new toothbrush.

kate83 wrote: »

It has been shown that gum infections travel into the blood where they can spread all round the body and also to the heart (gum disease is a risk for heart attacks)

It all depends on how healthy you are. Although that depends on how you define healthy.

I must say I don't suffer from gum disease and I guess most people who wash their teeth well don't either.

rachbc

frosty wrote: »

I decided to keep a glass of milton in the bathroom for my toothbrush because I read in a magazine that when you flush the loo the germs can be spread about 6 foot in the air and land on surfaces and toothbrushes:eek::eek::eek::eek:

didn't they test this on myth buster and find out it wasn't actually true

Fire_Fox

I have battery powered toothbrushes that I consider expensive, so I don't change them every three months unless looking in bad shape. I do clean my brush every so often by soaking in mouthwash tho, especially if I have noticed a little bit of gum bleeding.

Lugh_Chronain

rachbc wrote: »

didn't they test this on myth buster and find out it wasn't actually true

Fecal coliforms were indeed found on all the test brushes, including the control ones. However, none were of a level high enough to be dangerous, and experts confirm that such coliforms were impossible to completely avoid. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the number of bacteria based on where the toothbrushes were placed in respect to the toilet bowl.

Red_Squirrel_4

Oops ignore the dozy squirrel sorry.

Olliebeak

I do remember Aggie (of Kim and Aggie) mentioning something about toilet germs travelling when the loo is flushed. Better safe than sorry, so now I insist that the loo lid is closed BEFORE flushing.

Another reason that I do that is, my bathroom radiator is right next to the loo and I've noticed rust marks on the paintwork (these started appearing about 2-3 months after the house was built - we're the first ones in it!).

I saw packs of four plastic toothbrush covers in Asda, so I got a pack - maybe I got a bit paranoid about it all !

Wee_Bargain_Hunter

frosty wrote: »

I decided to keep a glass of milton in the bathroom for my toothbrush because I read in a magazine that when you flush the loo the germs can be spread about 6 foot in the air and land on surfaces and toothbrushes:eek::eek::eek::eek:

Lugh_Chronain wrote: »

Fecal coliforms were indeed found on all the test brushes, including the control ones. However, none were of a level high enough to be dangerous, and experts confirm that such coliforms were impossible to completely avoid. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the number of bacteria based on where the toothbrushes were placed in respect to the toilet bowl.

rachbc wrote: »

didn't they test this on myth buster and find out it wasn't actually true

Not sure what the real risks are but I do know that I watched a totally unrelated TV programme a few years ago where an artist/architect type person spent a few months or perhaps a year recording the beauty of public toilets :rotfl:and was complaining about always suffering from sore throats during the project. (PS for the record we keep the lid firmly shut when flushing .)

Lugh_Chronain

Don't know how you can compare public toilets with house hold ones.

If people choose to be more hygienic with their mouth care then that's a personal choice. I suppose it does no harm in being precautious.

Personally I'd consider the hygienic route as suggested by some of the other posters but wouldn't worry about it too much.

And does firmly shutting the lid of your toilet really make a difference?

thisuseridistakenagain

The mouth is the most germ ridden place on the body, one or two extra really isnt going to hurt you. If you breathe while you have a number two, you will be getting the same germs in your mouth anyway wont you!? :rotfl:

I change mine every three months. and rinse it after each use.

How often do wash your lipstick? those things just hang around in your bag then go all over your mouth. blerg! lol