Silly Question?

Question

So, this may be a silly question, but I'm sick and while I was brushing my teeth I thought....

Does the bacteria or virus that caused my cold stay in my toothbrush? Whenever someone has a cold we always spray the things they touched with Lysol to kill the bacteria, so does the same happen with a toothbrush?

Answer 1

It is reccomended that you change your toothbrush every three months and after you or anyone in your family has had a cold. Although it is unlikely that you will get the same pathogen from your toothbrush, it is a moist breeding ground for certain strains of bacteria. Because you have been sick it would be wise for the rest of your family, at least those you share a bathroom with, to change their toothbruses. Again, the airborne bacteria could land on their toothbrush, not really likely though. I think the reccomendation is more so that people actually change their toothbrushes because they wear out after a while. Besides, they are fairly cheap and it couldn't hurt.

Answer 2

I heard it does.
It's upto you whether you want to believe it or not.
However if we are ill then we develop antibodies so I don't think we CAN actually re-infect ourselves.

I've boiled the head of my toothbrush a few times (as some people advise) back when I believed and all it did was weaken the toothbrush. One time it bent all the ristles and a few times the head snapped right off the next time I used it.

All in all.. I wouldn't worry. Maybe buy a new toothbrush if you're really paranoid. But it's a good question. I think it's really not important now and I have seen never experienced it myself, nor saw any proof that it causes problems.

You can by toothbrush "cases" which have a special light or something that kills bacteria. I'll look for a link for you and try editing my post.

Answer 3

No, it's not a silly question.
I'm a dental hygienist and I get various opinions from different dentists. Some say change it, others say you don't need to. I don't for the reasons littleturtleboy explained in his post.

The only way to kill ALL the bacteria on your brush is to sterilize it. That is impossible to do, you will never get all the germs off. In addition, you don't want to ingest harmful disinfectants. (Sterilization kills ALL-100% germs, disinfection kills some, but not all). If you are concerned about germs, throw out your brush. Our mouths are full of bacteria anyway, even when we are not sick. That's why it is a BAD idea to use someone else's brush. I feel sick just thinking about that!!! :(

Please don't waste your money on products that claim to disinfect your brush. It doesn't work. Think of it this way, if I brushed my teeth, used a product that claimed to kill the germs on toothbrushes, then I brushed your teeth using my toothbrush, how would you feel about that? ugh....that's disgusting :(

You should change your brush periodically. When the bristles start to splay, throw it out, it is too worn to clean effectively. Some people say you should change it every 3 months; however, don't go by that rule because your toothbrush may wear out faster than 3 months. Judge according to the condition of your toothbrush. If you are not sure, throw it out.

Answer 4

The germs will be on the toothbrush - if someone else uses it they can get sick. However, once you are over your current infection, you will unlikely get sick from the same pathogen as your body will have developed some immunity to it.

You could always boil your toothbrush or stick it in some peroxide or alcohol to help kill the germs. Or you could just change it. Lysol would not be a good idea.

Answer 5

Well I always throw out my toothbrush after a bad sickness or virus. I wouldn't recommend using Lysol on something you put in your body only because of the formaldehyde.

I usually put my toothbrush in a zip lock baggie while I am sick so they don't contaminate the children's toothbrushes. Then I use a new one after I am well.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

It's not a silly question,but it's funny! (smile!).
Does your mom spray the toothbrush too? (Anyway) It is not neccessary to do that,because no one is using your toothbrush but you. You will not get the germs back,from brushing your teeth. (Now) Spraying the toothbrush holder,will eliminate the germs from one brush to another!.

Answer 7

Not yet proven. But you could always change the toothbrush you used when you were sick. Also make sure you change your toothbrush every three months, that's the best practice.

Answer 8

runthe toothbrush under hot water to kill the bacteria and viruses, over time, they die because the envrironment is not right for them to grow. they also have machines to remove bacterial and viruses, because if your toothbrush is in the bathroom and you flush your toilet with stuff...the bacterial and viruses spread out in the air from the toilel and sometimes go on tooth brush etc. i have heard this and there are items to prevent this on the market. but run the toothbrush under hot water, it will work.

Answer 9

yes your right....your toothbrush would carry the bacteria.....depending on which virus would depend on whether the bacteria would survive or not.....(some have very short life spans)......that is why you should change your brush on a regular basis....and you can soak it or wash it out with an anti bacterial like listerine in between......hope your feeling better soon....

Answer 10

I always change my toothbrush after I've been sick.