Is it OK to keep a toothbrush in the bathroom?

But chances are you’ve continued to leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. “In order for this to be a problem, the bacteria in the bathroom would have to be airborne. Bacteria found in urine and stool are not. So unless you’re scrubbing your toilet bowl with your toothbrush, you’re safe,” says Lowenberg.

Why you should not keep your toothbrush in the bathroom?

“As you flush the toilet it, you expose your toothbrush to germs from the fecal matter.” MythBusters found toothbrushes sitting outside a bathroom can be speckled with fecal matter, too. In fact, toothbrushes right out of the box can harbor bacteria because they aren’t sold in sterile packaging.

How do you store a toothbrush in a small bathroom?

Use sticky Velcro and travel toothbrush holders to store them inside the bathroom cabinet. When it’s time to use them, just pull them off pop the top on and go. The rough side of the Velcro will be waiting to stick them to when you get back.

Is it bad to keep your toothbrush on the counter?

Don’t lay your toothbrush flat You’re doing right by giving your toothbrush a good shake after brushing, but laying it flat on the counter allows any water that didn’t shake off the bristles to pool, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Why does my toothbrush smell like poop?

Poor oral hygiene can cause your breath to smell like poop. Failing to brush and floss your teeth properly and regularly can make your breath smell because plaque and bacteria accumulate on and between your teeth. Food that’s not removed by flossing stays between your teeth, causing your breath to smell unpleasant.

Can you get sick from toothbrush in toilet?

When you flush your toilet, some bacteria will be sent into the air and can land on your toothbrush. Just keep your toothbrush and rinsing cups as far away as possible from the toilet. Also, you can close the toilet lid before flushing.

Do Germs spread when flushing the toilet?

One flush of the toilet produces thousands of tiny aerosol droplets, which can contain bacteria and viruses and contaminate surfaces up to six feet away. Toilet bowl water remains contaminated for several flushes after becoming exposed to harmful pathogens.

Are poop particles real?

Every time you flush your toilet, a cloud of water vapor deposits microscopic poo particles on everything in your bathroom — including your toothbrush. Your toothbrush is gross. More than likely it’s covered in bacteria, blood and saliva. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to do away with the fecal matter.

Can you keep your toothbrush in your bedroom?

Where to Store Your Toothbrush. Probably the best place to store your toothbrush is on a shelf in your bedroom, or, if you store it in the bathroom, in a far corner, safely away from the toilet and the sink. You might also store it in a large closet where it is cool and dry.

How do you keep your toothbrush germ free?

Storing your toothbrush correctly is probably as important as cleaning it after use.

1. Store it in hydrogen peroxide solution that’s changed daily.
2. Avoid storing toothbrushes side by side.
3. Keep it as far away from the toilet as possible.
4. Clean toothbrush covers and holder.
5. Use a toothpaste dispenser.

Should I cover my toothbrush?

But cleaning or sanitizing it doesn’t make your toothbrush 100% germ-free. And while a toothbrush cover may help protect your toothbrush from outside germs, it traps in moisture, leading to bacteria growth and not the good kind, according to the ADA. So — remove and throw away those covers.

How often should I change my toothbrush?

“The average person should be swapping out for a new toothbrush every three to four months,” explains Dr. Sienna Palmer, DDS, dentist at Meridien Dental in Santa Monica, CA. “This is recommended to ensure that the bristles are still effective and bacteria accumulation on the toothbrush is minimal.”

What is the most sanitary way to store toothbrush?

Clean your toothbrush holder frequently Remember keeping your toothbrush clean helps your oral care as well. The most sanitary way to store your toothbrush is to keep the toothbrush in a clean holder where airflow can dry the toothbrush. Yet, it won’t be contaminated by bathroom germs.

Do toothbrush sanitizers work?

Studies published in several dental journals do indicate that UV sanitizers are effective at killing microorganisms and bacteria. Unfortunately, while they might reduce the amount of these organisms off of your brush, the UV lights that are designed specifically for toothbrushes won’t eliminate all of these germs.

How long does it take a toothbrush to dry?

Letting your toothbrush sit out in the open air on the bathroom sink for thirty minutes or so will help to dry up any dampness left after brushing. Check the bristles to ensure they are dry before putting your toothbrush away.