Why is there a need to change the toothbrush after recovering from Covid-19?

In this fearsome situation of the pandemic, it is necessary to take required precautions and be aware of the protocols to follow.

The mouth is the reservoir of microorganisms. Patients infected with Covid-19 should adhere to the appropriate Covid Oral Hygiene instructions. 

Dentists recommend changing toothbrushes post recovery from Covid-19, by doing this not only protects a person from re-infection but can also save others who are using the same washroom. 

It is recommended to discard all the oral hygiene products used such as:-

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Tongue Cleaner
• Floss

Toothbrushes from the same family should not be in the same container. After using these, products become contaminated.

If you do not take care to disinfect them there can be a hub of microorganisms including bacteria, virus, fungi. 

Imagine that you are the asymptomatic carrier of the virus and if brushes are put together it can encourage cross-contamination and can infect other members of the family. 

Using the same tube of toothpaste also increases the chances of spreading the virus. 

Also Read : 8 Dental Health Products For Oral Hygiene!

Science behind spread of infection via mouth

The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads through an infected person’s mouth by tiny droplets when they cough, sneeze, shout, talk, laugh, etc.

People get infected by touching surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus and then touching their eyes, nose, or mouth without cleaning their hands.

The virus is found to be airborne i.e. once released from an infected person, it stays in the air for some time and can get transmitted. The transmission is faster in crowded and places with poor ventilation.

Toothbrushes and tongue cleaners of an infected person are likely to have a significant concentration of the virus. Continued use of oral hygiene products can result in re-infection and can infect others.

If someone in your family has contacted Covid-19, it is also important NOT to keep toiletry items (toothbrush, tongue cleaner, etc.) of the household together as it increases the chances of transmission.

It is advisable to dry and disinfect their toothbrush and tongue cleaner for safety.

Insights of Brazilain study on Covid and Toothbrush

Brazil carried out a study in January to understand the Covid virus transmission via oral hygiene practices. In the study, it was found that disinfecting toothbrushes should be in daily practice as it would help in mitigating the infection.

The study was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, stressing that toothbrushes can “act as reservoirs for microorganisms” that can easily spread the infection from the infected person to others.

Handy tips for Oral hygiene:-

1. Change your toothbrush once you turn -ve from +ve
2. Wash toothbrush in warm water
3. Keep toothbrushes in separate containers 
4. Store toothbrush with the head upwards
5. Toothbrush wrapped need to be ventilated
6. Disinfect brush head with 0.2% Povidone Iodine solution or 1% dilution of Hydrogen peroxide for 1min

Follow experts’ advice to be an expert of your own. Taking small steps can be of great aid in fighting the pandemic.

#BeAware #StaySafe #StayHealthy #StayStrong