Microbial flora on toothbrush - At greater risk

Abstract

Sir, The toothbrush plays an important role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. Appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are also important considerations for sound oral hygiene. As early as 1920, Cobb reported that toothbrushes could be the source of repeated oral infection.[1] Retention and survival of microorganisms on toothbrushes represent a possible cause of contamination of the mouth. Toothbrushes used regularly become contaminated with microorganisms, which colonize the oral cavity.[2] The bacteria, fungi and viruses can grow and multiply on toothbrush bristles and handles. The area of the toothbrush in which tufts are anchored is especially prone to contamination. Fluid and food debris can be drawn into the spaces between the tufts by capillary action, and this may lead to bacterial growth.[3] Microorganisms are present everywhere in our environment and thrive in cool, dark places, the type of places people store their toothbrushes. Toothbrushes kept in a moist environment like that of a bathroom, with its traditional, uncovered spot in the bathroom, are one of the hot spots for fecal bacteria and germs spewed into air by aerosol effect.[4] Indeed, Gerba’s studies show that water droplets in an invisible cloud travel six to eight feet out and up, so the areas of bathroom not directly adjunct to the toilet are still contaminated and contaminated toothbrushes may play a role in both systemic and localized diseases[5] Depending on the storage conditions, the toothbrush can, therefore, serve as a reservoir for the reintroduction of potential pathogens.[2] The oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms and, therefore, it is not surprising that some of these microorganisms are transferred to the toothbrush during use. It is clear from the above facts that all of the presently available toothbrushes have the ability to be infected by a wide range of microorganisms, including microbial flora that grow well on a toothbrush. Given the fact that very often people will traumatize themselves with their toothbrush, their trauma may become a potential portal entry for organisms. Thus, it is apparent that present toothbrushes that were basically designed years back need to be re-evaluated. The toothbrush may even have bacteria on them right out of the box; proper storage is a very important aspect in toothbrush care. Thus, general recommendations for toothbrush care are: