Researchers from the University of Manchester in the UK found both E. coli and staph bacteria on toothbrushes, and the University of Alabama in Birmingham in the US also found fecal bacteria! You should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head more often than you think, especially if you’ve been sick. Express.co.uk spoke to the team at oral care brand hello to find out everything you need to know about replacing your toothbrush (especially after Covid).
Did you know that you should change your toothbrush every three months?
That’s right, you should use and dispose of at least four different toothbrushes, or change your electric toothbrush head at least four times a year.
This is mainly because your toothbrush is full of germs and viruses.
Bacteria can be useful; your mouth is full of these types of bacteria.
You can therefore use your toothbrush for three to four months without damage.
However, if you’ve had the flu or Covid, you’ll need to replace your toothbrush as soon as you feel better. Here’s why.
READ MORE – Omicron Symptoms: What is the “first” sign of a new variant?
The three reasons for a new toothbrush after Covid
Bacteria and viruses
Changing your toothbrush after a covid / flu is a great way to get rid of any remaining bacteria, the experts at hello said.
This is also a way to make sure you don’t pass your disease on to the rest of the family through contamination.
In fact, while you are sick, you should use a different tube of toothpaste than the people you live with to prevent germs from spreading to other toothbrushes.
