Replace your toothbrush after you have been sick

Appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for sound oral hygiene.

Studies show that it is important to change your toothbrush after you have been sick, had cold, flu, mouth infection or sore throat. Even those patient who undergo major surgery are advised to change their toothbrush.

This will avoid re-contaminating yourself with germs every time you brush.

Maintenance, proper air drying of toothbrush is necessary to avoid their contamination from micro-organisms

References:

• Filho PN. Microbial contamination of tooth brushes and their decontamination. Pediatr Dent.2000;22:381–4.
• Denny FW. Risk of toothbrushes in the transmission of respiratory infections. Paediatr Infect Dis.1991;10:710–1.