Monday, June 13, 2011

Is it Time for a New Toothbrush?

There has been studies conducted in the US and UK recently on the potential health risks of changing your tooth brush infrequently, and the potential health risks at stake. UK's largest Oral health charity has stated that toothbrushes need to be changed more frequently before they can develop a "breeding ground" for bacteria and other germs. Yikes! Previous studies show that toothbrushes have actually been the cause of many repeated infections in the mouth. The bristles can hold and reproduce bacteria, which can in turn disperse organisms leading to disease throughout the body. "They may seem like an insignificant tool but they form a fairly crucial part of our daily routine, and although tooth brushes are used twice a day for months on end, they are rarely cleaned thoroughly, and often kept in warm, moist conditions, ideal for bacterial growth," said Dr. Carter. By replacing your toothbrush more often, you can prevent avoidable illness and inflammation in the mouth, and prevent reoccurring infection following a cold or other sickness. A dirty toothbrush can be the cause of a ear, nose or throat infection!
There are products on the market claiming to disinfect toothbrushes, however the effectiveness is debatable. Changing your tooth brush often may seem like an excessive expense, but losing a chunk of your income to preventable dental work, prescriptions, or over the counter Meds for oral health might pose a greater dispense. For the full article, please visit http://www.dentistryiq.com

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