Toothbrush Hygiene

Dental professionals do not recommend re-using the same piece of dental floss for up to three months or more, but it is common practice to re-use a toothbrush even though rinsing it in water is the traditional method of cleaning it. Don’t forget the bathroom is the most germ-laden room in the house, and rinsing your toothbrush is helpful, but organisms are left alive and active, and cross infection becomes an issue in families or shared accommodation when several toothbrushes are stored in a single container; research has shown that infections can transfer from one toothbrush to the next. The organisms that have been found on toothbrushes that have not been cleansed with Brushtox are bacteria causing tooth decay and gum disease, along with serious infections such as herpes simplex virus, oral thrush; gastro-enteritis and acute ulcerative gingivitis, and can lead to upper respiratory infections, coughs, colds and sore throats.

Dr Peter Neal, BDS and Dr John Rippin, BDS, PhD, FRCPath, former Head of Oral Pathology at the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, have gathered together research showing that within two days of use, a new toothbrush becomes infected with potentially disease producing bacteria, viruses and fungi, some of which remain alive and multiply on a toothbrush for hours and even days.

To combat this problem, Brushtox Antiseptic Toothbrush Cleanser has been developed by leading U.K. Dental Surgeons to combat toothbrush contamination and disinfect toothbrushes safely, quickly and effectively. Independent laboratory tests show that Brushtox kills 99% of all disease-producing bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The toothbrush bristles simply need to be thoroughly sprayed with Brushtox from a distance of 25mm and then left to dry, before and after use, then simply rinse away the dead bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Brushtox has a fresh peppermint fragrance, and is packaged in a handy 100ml unbreakable sealed spray bottle that will provide 60 days of twice-daily use.

Did you know?

The HIV virus is spread by direct contact from “open sore” to “open sore” and can be carried in any liquid medium such as blood, serum, saliva or other bodily fluid. It will die if it dries out for longer than a minute say on a work surface. It will stay alive on a toothbrush because it usually remains damp at the base of the bristles for quite a long time.

If the infected patient has sore bleeding gums, then the virus will be transferred to the brush. If another person uses that brush (or uses another brush stored close by) they could become infected if they have sore gums or cold sores or any abrasions on their lips or mouth. Any break in the oral mucosa will allow the virus to enter the body. Infection could also occur when kissing if these conditions exist, i.e. “open sore” to “open sore”.

Tuberculosis is readily spread by droplet infection and so is spread much more easily than HIV/AIDS - by coughing, spitting, kissing etc., and easily, of course, by a toothbrush. TB does not need an “open sore”.