Lifestyle

Never leave your toothbrush in bathroom, may catch fecal particles

According to dental health experts, keeping the toothbrush in the bathroom could expose it to fecal particles. 

Dental experts say that when the flush in the bathroom is being used without closing the lid, small water droplets are released into the air that may contain fecal bacteria and other microorganisms – which can end up settling on surfaces such as your toothbrush.

If it sits close to the throne, your brush is more likely to come into contact with airborne particles which can lead to contamination. Further, bathroom environments tend to be humid, which can further promote the growth of bacteria and mold on your toothbrush.

In the shared bathroom, there are more chances of cross-contamination, as multiple people may be touching various surfaces. It is a good practice to first thoroughly rinse your toothbrush under tap water before using it. This can help remove contaminants that may be sitting on the surface of your toothbrush. Further, after using, store your toothbrush upright in a toothbrush holder or cup to allow it to air dry.

You can invest in containers that have separate sockets for multiple toothbrushes, to prevent them from coming into contact with each other. Once air-dried, you can keep your toothbrush in a cover to protect it from any airborne particles.
 
Closing the toilet lid before flushing is a healthy habit that can help minimize the spread of airborne poo particles in the bathroom. A 2012 UK study revealed that when a toilet was flushed lid up, bacteria were found up to 25 cm above the seat and when the Lid is down, none of the bacteria was found in the air above the seat after flushing.

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