Cough, watery eyes, chills, fatigue, sinus pressure, sore throat – everyone is all too familiar with the symptoms of a cold. Sometimes colds and viruses feel like they never end, and no matter how much we rest or how much cough syrup we consume, the sickness won’t give up. After weeks of battling a stubborn illness, the last thing you want is to be reinfected by the sickness you just got over.
While Today notes that you cannot contract the same cold or virus again, there are around 200 different strains circulating at any given time. After being exposed to a virus, your body creates antibodies to fight off the virus; when you recover from that particular virus, your body is no longer susceptible to that virus strain.
Because of this, if you do not replace your toothbrush after your cold is over, you will not be reinfected to the same virus, but lingering bacteria and other viruses could give you a whole new illness. Numerous kinds of bacteria, including staph, strep, e-coli and yeast – commonly live on toothbrushes, and so replacing your toothbrush after being sick can reduce the risk that you catch something else, or that the germs spread to nearby toothbrushes.
Thus, to always stay on the safe (and healthy) side, yes, you really have to toss your toothbrush after your cold is over.
General Recommendations
In general, replace your toothbrush every three months to maintain a healthy and effective brushing routine. You should also keep your toothbrush at least three feet from the toilet to avoid airborne droplets from settling on your toothbrush in between flushes. Storing your toothbrush in a medicine cabinet or on the side of the sink furthest away from the toilet can reduce airborne germ exposure.
Try to keep your toothbrush away from other toothbrushes, as well, as if there is any potential for contact between the brushes, germs could spread. You should never share toothbrushes, either, as this only increases the risk of catching infections.
Even with the best brushing habits, though, regular appointments to your dentist are key to maintaining proper dental health. You can schedule your next appointment with Genesee Dental online now, or call us today at 585-343-1113 to plan your next visit.