Did you know that your toothbrush can contain up to 10 million bacteria?

• The toothbrush is the basis of good oral health, provided that the brushing technique is correct and the toothbrush is in good condition.
• To ensure effective brushing, experts recommend changing one’s toothbrush every 3 months due to filament deformation and the accumulation of large numbers of bacteria, fungi, and viruses among the filaments.
• A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene demonstrates the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) as effective antiseptics in the reduction of microorganisms.

Barcelona, March 14, 2023. Toothbrushes are an essential tool for daily oral hygiene, but they can also be a potential source of infection if not properly taken care of. On average, a toothbrush can contain up to 10 million bacteria. Regardless of a person's health status, using a toothbrush can cause filaments to accumulate a large number of bacteria, including oral, respiratory, environmental, or digestive tract pathogens. This toothbrush contamination can potentially become a source of infection and disease transmission.

The toothbrush is a great ally for daily oral hygiene if a proper brushing technique is used and the toothbrush itself is in good condition. When the filaments of the toothbrush become deformed, they lose their effectiveness and can damage teeth and gums. A toothbrush in perfect condition ensures effective oral hygiene. For this reason, it is recommended that the toothbrush be replaced every three months. This way, we also prevent the toothbrush from becoming a reservoir of bacteria.

A recent study conducted at the DENTAID Research Center and published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene highlights the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) and of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) in reducing microorganisms.

This study shows the antiseptic efficacy of 0.05% CHX + 0.05% CPC in reducing a large number of bacteria. The immersion of toothbrush heads, used for two weeks, in 15 ml of 0.05% CHX + 0.05% CPC for two hours causes a significant reduction in the percentage of live bacteria present between the brush filaments. "Since pathogens can be found among these bacteria, reducing their number not only reduces the probability of infection, but also decreases the risk of transmission of these pathogens to other members living in the same household. Toothbrush replacement could even accelerate the recovery of those suffering from certain orally transmitted infectious diseases." explains Dr Gerard Àlvarez, one of the authors of the study.

These results make us aware of the importance of maintaining good daily oral hygiene to help control the accumulation of millions of bacteria found in the oral cavity to thereby prevent possible oral and systemic complications. It is essential to have a toothbrush in perfect condition to guarantee its function: the removal of food debris and dental plaque. Hence the importance of replacing one’s toothbrush every 3 months after a bout of infection, like a cold or flu, etc. Likewise, this study has made it possible to observe the antiseptic properties of mouthwashes

in reducing viruses and bacteria, confirming their preventive role in controlling the biofilm (bacterial plaque) that can be found on teeth and gums.

Carrying out a good daily oral hygiene routine helps protect oral health and prevent oral and systemic diseases, since any alteration in the oral cavity could potentially have consequences for overall health.

See the full study “Bacterial decontamination of toothbrushes by immersion in a mouthwash containing 0.05% chlorhexidine and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride: A randomized controlled trial” published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene:

About DENTAID

DENTAID is an oral health specialist company and a leader of this category in the pharmacy. It researches and develops cutting-edge oral solutions for the prevention and treatment of diseases of the oral cavity. The company runs the DENTAID Research Center, a global benchmark in oral health research. www.dentaid.com