Research finds poop on over 60% of toothbrushes

Publication
Article
dentalproductsreport.comdentalproductsreport.com-2015-06-01
Issue 6

Using a communal bathroom? There’s probably poop on your toothbrush.

Using a communal bathroom? There’s probably poop on your toothbrush.

A recent study out of Quinnipiac University discovered that toothbrushes in communal bathrooms serve as vectors for transmission of fecal coliforms and potentially pathogenic organisms, including enteric bacteria (normal bacteria that is found in the stomach) and pseudomonads (bacteria found in soil, water, plants, stomach and on skin). So, while the bacteria are not foreign to the human body, trouble can arise when the bacteria are coming from someone else – which happens more often than not.

Related research: Toothbrush type can influence bacteria growth

“The main concern is not with the presence of your own fecal matter on your toothbrush, but rather when a toothbrush is contaminated with fecal matter from someone else, which contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that are not part of your normal flora,” said Lauren Aber, a graduate student at Quiinipiac University. 

Researchers collected toothbrushes from communal dorm bathrooms (that were used by an average of 9.4 occupants) at the university. Shockingly, they discovered that at least 60% of the toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal coliforms – regardless of how the toothbrushes were stored or decontaminated.

The grossest part? There was an 80% chance that the fecal coliforms on the toothbrushes came from someone other than the toothbrush’s owner.

Weird news: Woman superglued her teeth in to avoid going to the dentist

“Better hygiene practices are recommended for students who share bathrooms,” said Aber. However, she added, “using a toothbrush cover doesn’t protect a toothbrush from bacterial growth, but actually creates an environment where bacteria are better suited to grow.”

Our suggestion? Follow the ADA’s recommendations for toothbrush hygiene – and store your toothbrush in a room sans toilets!

The research was presented as part of the 2015 General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, which took place May 31- June 2 in New Orleans. 

Related Videos
CDS 2024: What's New at TAG University? with Andrew De la Rosa, DMD
CDS 2024: Breaking Down Barriers to Care with Eric Kukucka, DD
GNYDM23 Product Focus: CandidPro with Kristin Lange, VP of Sales at Candid
The Connected Future of Dental CAD/CAM with Max Milz
Greater New York Dental Meeting 2023 – Interview with Daniel Weinstein from Lura Health
2023 Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Interview with Brant Herman, CEO and Founder at MouthWatch and Dentistry.One
Greater New York Dental Meeting 2021 - Interview with Marty Jablow, DMD
 Greater New York Dental Meeting 2021 - Interview with PlanetDDS Vice President of Sales Mike Huffaker
Dentsply Sirona World 2021 - Press Conference
Related Content
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.