When it comes to our personal hygiene, brushing our teeth regularly is an essential habit that should be followed daily.

However, during times when we are dealing with illnesses such as colds, flu, or strep throat, it is essential to follow some extra precautionary measures to avoid the spread and recurrence of germs. One such measure is to ensure that we replace our toothbrush frequently after being ill.

Why Should We Replace Our Toothbrush After Being Sick?

Our toothbrush can harbor an array of germs and bacteria that can lead to various illnesses.

When we are sick, the bacteria and viruses that are responsible for our illness can live on surfaces for an extended period of time and may transfer to our toothbrush. Continuing to use our toothbrush after being sick can lead to re-infection, which can be dangerous and affect our overall well-being.

While our immune system may fight off viruses and bacteria and make us feel better, it is essential to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of germs and avoid getting infected again.

Our toothbrush is one of those items that can harbor and spread germs, leading to re-contamination. Therefore, it is vital to replace our toothbrushes after being ill to prevent the spread of contagions.

When Should We Replace Our Toothbrush After Being Sick?

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that we replace our toothbrushes after recovering from any illness, especially if it is a viral infection.

It is also recommended that we replace our toothbrushes every three to four months to maintain oral hygiene, regardless of whether we are sick or not.

However, it is best to replace our toothbrushes before three months if they become frayed, worn, or if we have been sick. If you doubt your toothbrush’s viability, it’s best to go ahead and replace it.

It is crucial to note that electric toothbrush heads should also be replaced regularly at the same frequency that we replace manual toothbrushes.

How Can We Prevent Re-infection?

As we have discussed earlier, it is essential to replace our toothbrushes after being sick to avoid the spread of germs and re-infection.

However, there are also some other precautionary measures that we can take to prevent re-infection and promote good oral hygiene. These include:.

1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Regularly brushing our teeth and using metal tongue scrapers to remove bacteria are excellent ways of practicing good oral hygiene.

We should continue to practice good oral hygiene during and after our illness to prevent the spread of germs and promote a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums.

Sharing toothbrushes can spread germs that can cause illnesses, leading to a re-infection. It is essential to avoid sharing toothbrushes with anyone, even if they are your family members or close friends during and after illness.

3. Rinse Your Toothbrush with Hot Water

After using your toothbrush, it is best to rinse it under hot water to remove any bacteria and viruses that may be present. Hot water helps kill the germs and minimizes the chances of bacterial growth.

You can also soak your toothbrush in an antiseptic solution to disinfect it before using it.

4. Store Your Toothbrush Properly

Storing your toothbrush properly helps avoid the growth of bacteria and prevents the transfer of germs. We should keep our toothbrushes in an upright position, allowing them to air-dry adequately.

It is also essential to store our toothbrushes away from the toilet or other areas where contamination may occur.

Conclusion

In summary, it is vital to replace our toothbrushes regularly and especially after being sick to avoid the spread of germs and promote good oral hygiene.

Following the recommendations by CDC on replacing toothbrushes every three to four months and changes after health problems are essential in maintaining oral hygiene. Additionally, following the discussed precautionary measures will prevent re-infections and protect us against illnesses.