Germs do live on toothbrushes. If you use your toothbrush after catching a cold, the germs will hide in the bristles of your toothbrush and cause re-infection when you continue using it after you have recovered from the cold. Still, some people doubt this message, especially when a company selling toothbrushes offers its consumers the advice. Some people think that the company wants to sell more toothbrushes.
When viruses and bacteria from your mouth attach to the toothbrush bristles, they can stay there for weeks. The fact that they can stay alive in the bristles means they still have the power to cause illness. Every normal and healthy microorganism can cause infections, especially when they enter your gum tissues and there is an injury present.
If your toothbrush sits in a cup or on the counter next to the toothbrush of someone else in your home, this is a possible way to infect that person. Keep your toothbrush away from the other ones and clean it well after each use.
Should You Buy a New Toothbrush Every Time You Get a Cold?
You do not need to buy a new toothbrush whenever you catch a cold. Keeping your toothbrush clean can kill bacteria and viruses that can hide in your bristles. Always wash your toothbrush well using tap water to remove any food debris. If you catch a cold, soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouthwash to kill any germs before you use it the next time. There are also several toothbrush sanitizers on the market. With these remedies, you can protect yourself from constant re-infection from germs hiding in your toothbrush every time you brush.
Concluding Remarks
Your mouth becomes home to viruses and microbes, causing your illness whenever you get a cold. When you brush your teeth, some of the microbes attach to the bristles. Those microbes can survive in the bristles for weeks, meaning they can cause re-infection every time you put the toothbrush inside your mouth. You can use toothbrush sanitizers or antibacterial mouthwash to free your toothbrush from germs.
Germs do live on toothbrushes. If you use your toothbrush after catching a cold, the germs will hide in the bristles of your toothbrush and cause re-infection when you continue using it after you have recovered from the cold. Still, some people doubt this message, especially when a company selling toothbrushes offers its consumers the advice. Some people think that the company wants to sell more toothbrushes.