If tooth paste kills germs, why do I change it every 2 months?

Question

Could you explain?

Sorry. I meant: If tooth paste kills germs, why do I change toothbrush every 2 months?. LOL

Answer 1

some of the bacteria stays on the brush. it's 3 months, not 2.

Ultra-violet light can rid toothbrush of germs and bacteria

Global Calgary

Monday, December 04, 2006

You may not realize it, but your toothbrush is covered in bacteria.

It's just the type of bacteria that thrive in the warm moist environment of the average bathroom.

The biggest source of contamination comes from our own mouths -- saliva, food, blood and even toothpaste.

“Absolutely, they contain a great deal of bacteria," says Dr. Karl Oppenheim, a Calgary dentist.

Dr. Oppenheim says the Violight toothbrush sanitizer is just another gadget for the dental industry, joining the ranks of electric toothbrushes and flossers.

A UV lightbulb that shines on your brush for 10 minutes claims to kill 99.9% of the germs on the toothbrush.

Dr. Oppenheim says the UV technology works.

“It's harmful to any living organism, it’s harmful to you and I , so if you expose bacteria to it, then it will kill them,” he adds.

But do you really need to sanitize your toothbrush? Dr. Oppenheim says there's no research that proves the bacteria on your toothbrush can make you sick.

“We've been doing it for many years, and there's no significant data indicating a toothbrush can cause any major kind of disease,” he says.

The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) says you can cut down on the amount of bacteria on your brush by rinsing it with water, storing it in an upright position and allowing it to air-dry. The CDA says the biggest risk of infection comes from sharing toothbrushes and cross-contamination, so try to keep it from touching other brushes.

The best thing you can do for your toothbrush is replace it every couple of months.

“If you have a wish to keep your toothbrush for a year, then yes a sanitizer may be needed. But if you follow our directions and replace it every 2-3 months, I don't think it should be an issue,” he says.

Not all of the bacteria on your toothbrush is bad. In fact, you need some bacteria in your mouth or you could get a yeast infection.

A sanitizer could be helpful for someone who is immune-compromised, but for the average person, it’s likely not worth the $40.

Violight is available at Canadian Tire and will soon be in London Drugs stores. You can also buy it on-line at www.violight.com

Answer 2

Change what? The toothpaste or the toothbrush? If you're changing your toothpaste every two months you're just being weird. If you're changing your toothbrush, it's because the bristles wear and don't do as good a job of cleaning your teeth. It's not a germ factor.

Answer 3

tooth paste didnt kills germs. in fact, the tooth paste is just for refreshing your oral cavity.

Answer 4

To make the toothbrush company more money.

Answer 5

Good point for me it's the mental picture of uck. It's just nasty and the bristles start to bend out.

Answer 6

I don't know, why do you change it at all?