16 Nov , 10:20
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Microbial island in the bathroom: scientists figured out how to properly store toothbrushes to avoid dangerous infections
TROUVER electric toothbrush product manager Li Shenghan told Gazeta.Ru about the shocking results of a new study and rules for storing toothbrushes.
A large-scale study by American scientists from Northwestern University, published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiomes, revealed an amazing microbial diversity on ordinary toothbrushes. The project received the telling name "Operation Pottymouth".
"Researchers collected samples from 34 toothbrushes from homes within a 160-kilometer radius of Chicago. Using a modern DNA analysis method, scientists discovered 614 unique viral sequences on toothbrushes. Notably, 314 of them were found in only one sample, and no virus was detected in all brushes simultaneously. Each toothbrush represents a real 'microbial island' with an almost unique viral and bacterial flora," explained Shenghan.
However, we're not talking about 600 virus species in the classical sense, but about 614 genetically distinguishable viral sequences, most of which are bacteriophages - viruses that exclusively infect bacteria and are incapable of infecting humans.
"Nevertheless, the storage conditions of a toothbrush directly affect the composition and activity of this microbial environment. A humid, warm, and poorly ventilated bathroom is an ideal environment for the proliferation of not only viruses but also bacteria. Studies show that representatives of the genera Streptococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and other microorganisms associated with infections of the oral cavity, respiratory tract, and even the gastrointestinal tract are found on brushes.
Particularly alarming is the fact that when flushing the toilet, an aerosol rises into the air containing up to 100,000 microbial particles that can settle on nearby surfaces - including on toothbrushes. According to the Daily Mail, this mechanism became the starting point for the "Operation Pottymouth" study," he added.
This is why proper brush storage is crucial. As Shenghan noted, the key role is played not so much by sterility as by controlling humidity and isolation from sources of contamination.
"Store your toothbrush vertically, bristles up, in an open holder - this allows water to drain freely and the bristles to dry faster. Storing it in an airtight case immediately after brushing is not recommended: this creates an enclosed humid space in which microbes reproduce particularly actively. It's especially important to ensure that the brushes of different family members do not touch - this helps avoid cross-contamination and reduces the risk of infection transmission," the expert recommended.
The toothbrush holder should be washed at least once a week - warm water with soap or a vinegar solution is sufficient. The brush itself should be replaced every 2-3 months, and also necessarily after any illness.
"Excessive use of powerful antiseptics provides no benefit and can lead to microorganisms becoming resistant to such agents. It's better to rely on simple but regular hygienic habits - they are much more reliable in everyday protection," Li added.
The expert also draws attention to the brush material and its design.
"Choose models with a smooth handle without threaded connections, recesses, or porous coatings - such surfaces are more difficult to clean and dirt accumulates faster on them. This is especially relevant for electric toothbrushes: the removable head should be firmly fixed, but at the same time easily removable for washing the base," Shenghan explained.
