If you’re making these 6 mistakes, then your toothbrush is the most dirty thing in your bathroom

We all brush regularly to keep your teeth and gums in good shape. Brushing is quite necessary for good health. This is something we’ve all learnt since  childhood. It’s basic hygiene. Except, there is one very unhygienic thing about this act: your toothbrush. Yes, you read it right! 

When we think about cleaning our teeth, we often focus on choosing the right toothpaste and using gentle motions. And that’s where we make our first mistake—by not storing our toothbrush in the right place and hence exposing it to bacteria.

If you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom, near the commode, then every time you flush, chances are the small particles of fecal matter that flow into the surrounding environment can also reach your toothbrush. But that’s not the only mistake you could be making. Here’s everything you’re doing wrong with the way you store your toothbrush: 

1. You keep it near the commode

Your biggest mistake is that you keep your toothbrush in the bathroom. Water splashes all around when you flush the toilet, including on your toothbrush. So you really need to keep your toothbrush away from the toilet, so that bacterial infection doesn’t reach you this way. 

2. You’re not using a cover

Many of these problems can be mitigated by simply putting a lid on your toothbrush. This reduces the risk of bacteria festering on it. 

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3. You keep all toothbrushes together

This is the most common mistake that we all make without even realising it! At home, we all keep our toothbrushes in one place—with their heads touching together. This just leads to a wider spread of bacteria. 

4. You’re keeping it in your medicine cabinet

Keeping your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet isn’t a great idea either. The humid environment there, also propagated by your wet toothbrush, can allow pathogens to thrive. In a closed space your toothbrush cannot completely dry, which also poses a threat. 

5. You’re not cleaning your toothbrush cap or holder

Not washing your toothbrush cap daily basically allows bacteria that are on there to transfer to the bristles. You also need to ensure that nothing touching the surface of your toothbrush is dirty. By doing so you’re ensuring that there is dust or germ infestation happening on your toothbrush. 

6. You’re not keeping it upright

If after using the toothbrush you leave it lying flat on the counter, then you’re in trouble. Your toothbrush needs to be kept upright so that it can dry properly. A wet toothbrush will always be a breeding ground for bacteria. 

So, just adopting good dental practices is not enough. You also need to store your toothbrush in the right place, so that it’s not a hotspot for bacteria