Dear arkehoe-ga;
Thank you for allowing me to answer your interesting question. Most
dental professionals agree that sharing a toothbrush with someone else
is a really bad idea, not only from a hygienic standpoint but from a
medical standpoint as well.
Let?s face it, a toothbrush is used to wipe away the bacteria thriving
scum that develops on one?s teeth, gums and tongue. Since bacteria are
difficult to kill by merely rising the toothbrush, this is a very
ineffective means of cleaning it even though this is the method most
of us use. If you share someone?s toothbrush it is not illogical to
assume that you are introducing millions of their oral bacteria into
your own mouth and likewise leaving undesirable bacteria on the brush
for them.
Dental cavities are caused by bacteria called ?streptococcus mutans?
that is contagious. Obviously there is increasing evidence that decay
and periodontal disease are both contagious diseases. The causative
bacteria can easily be passed from person to person by kissing and
sharing of utensils and oral hygiene tools. The transmission of cold
sores, herpes, canker sores, and fungus are some other disgusting
situations one can take steps to avoid by sticking to his own clean
toothbrush.
Just because you kiss a partner, sleep with them or occasionally taste
the pudding on their spoon are not reasonable justifications for using
their toothbrush. To do so is no different that putting a used Q-tips
in your ears or sharing their toilet paper. If you find yourself in a
rare position where you must use someone else?s toothbrush, you should
boil it first, or at the very least clean it first with a strong
antiseptic such as Listerine or Dr. Tichenor's.
I hope you find that my answer exceeds your expectations. If you have
any questions about my research please post a clarification request
prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating and your
final comments and I look forward to working with you again in the
near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.
Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher
INFORMATION SOURCES
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
http://www.cdc.gov/Oralhealth/infectioncontrol/fact_sheet/toothbrushes.htm
ORAL HEALTH
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/oral_health.htm
NET WELLNESS
http://www.netwellness.org/question.cfm/32821.htm
DR. TICHENOR'S
http://www.drtichenor.com/main.html
LISTERINE
http://www.pfizerch.com/brand.aspx?id=298
SEARCH STRATEGY
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SEARCH TERMS USED:
Sharing toothbrush
Disease
Transmission
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