Can your children’s toothbrushes make them sick? Many dentists think so. And they think it’s more likely to happen on trips and vacations.
1. Germs that cause upper respiratory and intestinal illnesses thrive on toothbrushes. Moisture from saliva, food particles, cellular matter derived from gums, and high humidity in bathrooms create a favorable culture medium for organisms to grow. Storing toothbrushes in toilet kits, some airtight, impedes drying, allowing organisms to multiply even more rapidly.
2. Microorganisms encountered during travel are potentially more harmful than the ones at home. As a general rule, the poorer the area you visit, the worse the sanitation, and the more likely the local organisms are different and more virulent than the ones at home. Discard toothbrushes after returning home from such trips.
3. Children tend to place their toothbrushes on sink counters. Unless counters are optimally disinfected they are hotbeds for organisms, contaminated from water splattered by washing oneself or from unsanitary objects placed there, possibly even dirty diapers. Keep sink surfaces clean and dry; bathroom humidity keeps counters wet for prolonged periods. Toothbrushes should be placed on a clean washcloth or on tissue until rinsed and dry.
4. Toothbrushes and sink countertops may be contaminated from toilets. Flushing propels organisms into the air. Close toilet lid before flushing. Hand washing before and after brushing teeth further increases the level of cleanliness.
5. Show children how to rinse toothbrushes under hot water and air dry them. Rinsing removes toothpaste and other debris from the toothbrush. Air dry by standing them in a holder with bristles upwards. The bristles should not touch any object, especially another toothbrush. Soaking toothbrushes in three percent hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-containing mouthwash may make them more sanitary, says the American Dental Association (ADA). And clean toothbrush holders regularly.
6. Young children tend to use the toothbrush easiest to reach, often not their own. Away from home it may be a new toothbrush, making it more difficult for children to identify which one is theirs. Have children choose a toothbrush in their favorite color for the trip.
7. Some dentists suggest that each child have their own tube of toothpaste. It’s possible for organisms on toothbrushes to be transferred to the toothpaste around the opening of the tube and then to the toothbrush of the next user. (Whether this actually happens is debatable.) The optimal way to apply toothpaste to a toothbrush is to lay the toothbrush on a clean surface. Then apply the paste from above without touching the toothbrush.
8. Children tend to swallow considerable amounts of water while brushing. Adults generally do not. In areas of extremely poor sanitation tap water may be contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Use bottled water for brushing and rinsing toothbrushes in such areas.
9. Replace toothbrushes when bristles become frayed. Routinely, toothbrushes should be replaced about every three to four months, more often if they show signs of wear or after being used inappropriately – dropping them on a wet bathroom floor, for example. Worn bristles do not penetrate between the teeth.
10. The ADA recommends the following:
- Use toothbrushes with soft bristles.
- Brush for about two minutes.
- Manual or powered (electric) toothbrushes are equally effective. Many children find powered toothbrushes easier to use.
- Microwaving toothbrushes or placing them in dishwashers to sanitize them may damage the bristles and is not recommended.
- Ultraviolet light, antibacterial-treated bristles and other products available to reduce organisms on toothbrushes do not appear to reduce the risk of illness.
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