Scientists from the University of Manchester asked the same question and did some research. It turned out that nothing good.
Bacteria, bacteria everywhere…
After toothbrush will last you longer instead of 2-3 months, she not simply loses its efficiency. It becomes a breeding ground for infection. On the brush constantly accumulate and breed bacteria – they cause inflammation of the gums, gingivitis and other troubles.
Besides, the older the bristles, the more they lose their shape. After 3 months they will not be able to clean the plaque. And if that will happen constantly, and you don’t like check-UPS with your dentist, you can even lose several teeth.
Especially nice now will be those who have the adjacent bathroom. When you press the button of the drain within a few meters of fly fecal bacteria. They are deposited on towels, on furniture and of course, toothbrushes.
… And viruses…
On the old brushes as well get on colonies of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and herpes.
… And mold
This is possible if you hold the brush in the container, but not allow it to dry. Or if your makeup brushes are in a closed shower stall.
The old brush can injure the mucosa
The bristles become softer, but the tips in this dwell and prick the gums. This creates microtrauma, which include bacteria. In people with a weakened immune system, it can even cause heart disease.
How to use the brush?
- Change them on schedule. A special “signal” that it is time replacement is bristles that start to diverge in different directions.
- An adult with a healthy mouth choose only the brush of medium hardness (soft and hard appoint a doctor).
- Brush your teeth 2 times a day, no more and no less.
- “Move” the Cup with the brushes away from the toilet and close the lid when flushing.
- A new brush is enough to wash warm water with soap. Disinfecting it is not necessary: this tradition began in the days when brushes have not sold in individual packages.
Toothbrush figured out, what about mouthwash? Do they need it? And if needed, why? What happens if you don’t use them? Told in article “the truth about mouthwash”.