Home LivingWellnessNever leave your toothbrush in the bathroom, say dentists3 reasons why you should never keep your toothbrush in the bathroomWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingWellnessNever leave your toothbrush in the bathroom, say dentists3 reasons why you should never keep your toothbrush in the bathroomWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
3 reasons why you should never keep your toothbrush in the bathroom
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Henrik Lagercrantz / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Henrik Lagercrantz / Unsplash)
Where do you store your toothbrush? If the answer is in your bathroom, you might want to think again.
Cleaning your teeth and keeping on top of your dental care means your mouth and gums will be healthier, hygienic, whiter and fresher. But regardless of whether you use thebest electric toothbrushor a manual brush, where you store it could be messing with your dental hygiene.
According to Dr Payal Bhalla, Principal Dentist and Clinical Director ofQuest Dental, “storing your toothbrush in the bathroom can potentially expose it to various hygiene concerns.” Here’s three reasons why you should never leave your toothbrush in the bathroom and where you should actually store it.
Why you shouldn’t store your toothbrush in the bathroom
Bacteria
Proximity to the toilet
Regardless of the layout of your bathroom, chances are your sink and toilet are in the same room and in proximity to each other. If your toothbrush is placed close to the toilet, “it’s more likely to come into contact with airborne particles and water splashes, potentially leading to contamination,” Dr Bhalla states. To minimise bathroom particles coming into contact with your toothbrush, Dr Bhalla says to “rinse your toothbrush before use, store it upright, use a toothbrush cover, and close the toilet lid when flushing”.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
(Image credit: Superkitina / Unsplash)
(Image credit: Superkitina / Unsplash)
- Humidity
Bathrooms tend to be quite humid environments, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have a window. Having your toothbrush sitting in an overly humid room can “promote the growth of bacteria and mould” which can make you sick and spread infections if you put the brush in your mouth. If you use a holder for your toothbrush, you should also remember to rinse it out regularly as the water that drips down your brush and collects at the bottom of the cup can also grow mould.
Where should you store your toothbrush?
So, if you can’t keep your toothbrush in the bathroom, where should you store it? Dr Bhalla recommends storing your toothbrush “in a dry area outside of the bathroom, such as a bedroom or cabinet. If you must store it in the bathroom, keep it as far away from the toilet as possible to reduce the risk of contamination.” Dr Bhalla also mentions storing your brush upright to allow it to air dry properly and to make sure it doesn’t touch other brushes to prevent cross-contamination.
To ensure your toothbrush stays clean and hygienic, remember to rinse your toothbrush thoroughly before and after use, use a toothbrush cover and replace your brush regularly, ideally every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are chewed or frayed.
Want more dental tips? Check you’re not making these7 mistakes everyone makes with electric toothbrushes.
Today’s best Electric Toothbrushes deals$14.39View$24.97View$29.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Electric Toothbrushes deals$14.39View$24.97View$29.99ViewShow More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Electric Toothbrushes deals
$14.39View$24.97View$29.99View
$14.39View
$14.39View
$14.39View
$14.39
$14.39
$24.97View
$24.97View
$24.97View
$24.97
$24.97
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99View
$29.99
$29.99
Show More Deals
Show More Deals
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
This case turns your iPhone or Android phone into an e-reader, but there’s a catchActually, there are a couple…
Actually, there are a couple…
Traeger’s new Woodridge pellet barbecues have got me excited for grilling seasonTraeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
Traeger debuts three new wood pellet grills
I review electric toothbrushes for a living and these are the 3 best deals on Amazon this weekIf you’re looking for a new electric toothbrush, you’ve come to the right place
If you’re looking for a new electric toothbrush, you’ve come to the right place
Antler gives its Icon Stripe suitcase a stylish upgrade – but you might not get oneAntler celebrates 110 years with new leather travel goods collection
Antler celebrates 110 years with new leather travel goods collection
CurrentBody vs TheraFace: which skincare tech brand should you choose?Both beauty gadget pioneers deliver amazing results. But which one is better for your skincare needs?
Both beauty gadget pioneers deliver amazing results. But which one is better for your skincare needs?
Beurer FC 52 Laguna Facial Brush review: 2-in-1 skincare that cleanses, massages and won’t break the bankIs this the best facial cleansing brush under £50?
Is this the best facial cleansing brush under £50?
Ghd takes on the Dyson Airwrap with its new blow drying brushghd launched its latest wet-to-dry hair styling tool for salon-quality at-home blow dries
ghd launched its latest wet-to-dry hair styling tool for salon-quality at-home blow dries
CurrentBody Skin RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device review: get a firmer face without the faceliftTurn your frown upside down with this impressive wrinkle-reducing gadget
Turn your frown upside down with this impressive wrinkle-reducing gadget
Mous Day Backpack review: minimalistic design with highly functional featuresThe Mous Day Backpack came everywhere with me for three weeks – here’s how it lasted
The Mous Day Backpack came everywhere with me for three weeks – here’s how it lasted
Dyson Airstrait vs ghd Duet Style: which wet-to-dry styler should you choose?Dyson and ghd go head to head to see which wet-to-dry hair styler comes out on top
Dyson and ghd go head to head to see which wet-to-dry hair styler comes out on top
