Your toothbrush may have stool

The people who share the bathroom with many others you should be careful: there could be particles of feces in your toothbrush , according to researchers from the Quinnipiac University .

The researchers analyzed the toothbrush of Quinnipiac students who used community toilets, with an average of more than nine users per bathroom .

Regardless of the methods that students will use to save their tooth-brushes , at least 60% were contaminated with fecal matter , the researchers say.

They also identified 80% probabilities that the fecal matter of the toothbrushes came from another person who used the bathroom .

 

The main problem is not the presence of the person's stool in their own toothbrush, but when it is contaminated with another person's stool, which contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that are not part of the flora [the microbes] of the owner of the toothbrush, "he says. Lauren Aber , of the Quinnipiac University .

His team found no difference in the effectiveness of the methods used to clean the tooth-brushes , how to wash them with mouthwash, with cold or hot water. Further:

 

Using a cap for the toothbrush does not protect it from bacterial growth, but actually creates an environment in which bacteria can grow better by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the head of the toothbrush to dry between uses. " explains Aber.

For students, and people in general, who share bathrooms we recommend better hygienic practices , both when saving the toothbrush and in the hygiene personal, the expert says.

People should follow the recommendations of the American Dental Association (American Dental Association) for the hygiene of tooth-brushes , suggests. Therefore, what you should do is:

 

  • Do not share toothbrushes

 

  • Wash the toothbrush with tap water after use, store it upright and allow it to air dry

 

  • If there are toothbrushes in the same container, make sure they are separated enough to prevent cross-contamination

 

  • Do not use lids for toothbrushes

 

  • Change toothbrushes at least once every four months

The findings were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Society of Microbiology (American Society for Microbiology) , in New Orleans. The data and the conclusions should be considered as preliminary until they are published in a journal reviewed by professionals.


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