When I was growing up, my Mom always had me throw away my toothbrush after recovering from the flu, strep throat, or a cold. It seems that Moms aren’t the only ones holding this idea though, as many health care professional have been toting this idea for decades. I never challenged my Mom’s wisdom as a child, but recent research may cause my Mom to change her belief.
According to the Pediatric Academic Society (PAS), that toothbrush may just be okay to use. At an annual meeting in Washington DC in May of 2013, researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have challenged the belief that pediatric toothbrushes are contaminated with strep-causing bacterial after a bout with the flu or strep throat.
To analyze this subject, children’s (ages two to twenty) toothbrushes were analyzed for bacteria content. The first part of the study included an experiment to intentionally grow Streptococcus on toothbrushes. This is the bacteria that causes strep throat. The researchers found that this bacteria lived and grew on the toothbrushes for a two full days. But they also learned that two toothbrushes, that were not exposed to Streptococcus, actually grew bacteria.
In the second portion of the study, the researchers analyzed toothbrushes from healthy individuals, people with strep throat, and individuals with sore throats. The toothbrushes were placed in a sterile environment and reviewed for their bacteria content. In the end, only strep bacteria was discovered on one toothbrush that came from a healthy child.
In conclusion, the researchers found that it is safe to use your toothbrush after being ill with the flu or strep throat.
The American Dental Association (ADA) does recommend throwing away your toothbrush every three to four months. If the toothbrushes bristles become worn and brittle, replace them sooner.
Sorry Mom, you were wrong on this one. You were still right on wearing my seat belt, putting on plenty of sunscreen, and drinking lots of water every day. Did your Mom have you throw away your toothbrush when you were sick too?