BACTERIA ON A TOOTHBRUSH

Bacteria FOUND ON TOOTHBRUSH

Bacteria NAMES

  • Enterococcus Faecalis: Can be found in feces and the digestive tract. It has been found on toothbrushes, particularly in situations when not properly stored or in close proximity to the toilet -> Associated with endodontic infections & Peri-implant infections

    E. coli: Although less frequent, this bacterium can be found on toothbrushes if personal hygiene standards are poor -> Although rare, It may be a contributor in the development of infections such oral abscesses or periodontitis (gum disease)

    Staphylococcus aureus: Linked to skin infections and is found on toothbrushes. When there is an open wound or sore in the mouth, it occurs more frequently -> may lead to a number of infections in the body, including bloodstream infections, skin infections, and infections of the respiratory system

    Streptococcus Mutans: This bacterium is frequently present in the mouth and is a major cause of tooth decay. It can stick to toothbrush bristles and survive for a long time -> Form biofilm on the teeth and allow for tooth decay and demineralization

BACTERIA ON A TOOTHBRUSH

  • Pseudomonas bacteria is likely to be found on toothbrushes due to a widespread form of bacterium (germs) which can be found in water and soil

  • Enterobacter can be found on human skin, plants, soil, water, sewage, dairy products, the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans, and clinical specimens like feces, urine, blood, sputum, and wound exudates

HOW BACTERIA GET ONTO OUR TOOTHBRUSHES

  • Did you know millions of small fecal particles are floating up in the air by the powerful surge of water swirling around the toilet bowl

  • Bristles of your exposed toothbrush gradually become covered in this vapour, which is dispersed throughout the entire bathroom after each flush

  • Clostridium difficile is one of the infectious particles that toilet plume spreads throughout the bathroom, according to additional research

  • Closing the toilet lid can be helpful, this can lessen the amount of bacteria on the toothbrush by keeping it as far away from the toilet as possible

  • Toothbrushes can be kept cleaner by being kept away from the sink

  • If there is sufficient airflow to use the medicine cabinet or dry the toothbrush, invest in a wall-mounted toothbrush holder or a holder

COVERED OR UNCOVERED?

The article called ‘Comparison of Bacterial Contamination and Antibacterial Efficacy in Bristles of Charcoal Toothbrushes versus Non-charcoal Toothbrushes’ shows on table 5 the amount of growth over a 48 hour time period, showing the growth of bacteria on bristles of toothbrushes that are made with charcoal and without charcoal. This shows that there are other factors that contribute to the spreading of bacteria on toothbrushes in the washroom.