The Mirror - Sharing a Toothbrush

Posted: 8-May-2007 << BACK

The following is from an article in The Mirror called 'Dirty Habits'
Sharing a toothbrush

ROMANCE is all about sharing, right? Not when it comes to dental hygiene. The average brush contains around 10million germs, including harmful bacteria such as streptococcus, E.coli, and, more worryingly, the potentially fatal liver disease hepatitis C. Around 500,000 Brit have the disease but only 70,000 are aware of it, says the Hepatitis C Trust.

CUT YOUR RISK Keep spares for when your partner stays over or you have forgetful guests, and carry a travel toothbrush to avoid being caught out. In an emergency, you could sterilise a toothbrush by pouring boiling water over it, although this could distort the bristles.