Every person has their own toothbrush to maintain the core principle of hygiene. But what if you unintentionally brush your teeth using someone else’s toothbrush or any type of tooth cleaning tool? Yes, it may happen.
Most of the time, it happens because of mischief by somebody. We all know, Several kinds of bacteria, viruses may stuck on toothbrushes. Hence, the amount of germs depends on which person’s brush you have used.
If the person is already carrying any contagious disease, using his toothbrush acts as a significant carrier of germs. And the germs can easily get into your mouth through that tooth scrubber.
Additionally, there are some other facts that can decrease the condition of your oral health. Meanwhile, following some facts can also help you to get rid of any harm after the mischief you have done.
Now, through the article, you will learn the key reasons why you should not use and what you can do if you use someone else’s brush.
Is it OK to use someone else’s toothbrush once?
In the case of using other persons’ brush, nothing will happen unless any of the users are infected with any infectious disease. Moreover, if it happens once, then it’s okay. But if the same thing happens day after day, the result will definitely not be good.
In the case of using any brushes of a person who is already infected or affected by any contagious disease, then using his brush once is enough to get infected!
Overall, we can say, accidentally shared toothbrush once does nothing unless any of the person has a serious illness.
Can you get sick from using someone’s toothbrush?
If accidentally used dirty toothbrush or an individual person’s toothbrush used- anything of that happens, it’s very obvious that the person may feel sick.
Most probably, it happens because of the introduction of different types of viruses or bacteria into his mouth. Some of them can be considered life-threatening. Check out these possible risks before using someone else’s toothbrush.
Point to be noted: hepatitis B will only affects if the bacteria enters the bloodstream. It may possibly happen if gum bleeding happens.
What happens if I accidentally use someone else’s toothbrush?
It may happen that you unintentionally pick up and use a toothbrush that is not yours. In fact, by doing this, you welcome several types of viruses and bacteria this way.
First thing first, you have to wash your mouth with some liquid solution or ingredient. That can immediately help you to reduce or remove the risks of using other persons’ toothbrushes. The following solutions and ingredients are:
- Mouthwash
- Warm salt water
- sea salt.
- Baking soda along with coconut oil, sesame oil, or any essential oil.
- hydrogen peroxide
Choose any of these. Don’t panic. Keep calm. Gargle and rinse repeatedly for 2 minutes. You will be out of danger. Avoid hydrogen peroxide if you have an artificial filling.
How can I disinfect my toothbrush?
If anyone uses your brand new toothbrush mistakenly, will you throw away your toothbrush? Of Course, you should! But before that you may think about reusing the toothbrush after disinfecting. Hence, you may ask, “someone used my toothbrush how do i clean it”. Well! Let’s learn how to disinfect toothbrush following some simple methods:
- Baking soda: the simplest and most effective procedure is cleaning toothbrush with baking soda. Just mix baking soda with water and keep the brush overnight.
- Antibacterial mouthwash: Spray mouthwash on the brush and leave it for 30 minutes.
- White vinegar: Soak the brush head for 30 seconds, or even for the whole night in a cup of white vinegar.
- UV toothbrush sanitizer: It’s a very effective device to break the DNA of harmful bacteria and viruses on toothbrushes through the short wavelength and ultraviolet light.
- Microwave: You can sanitize toothbrush in microwave. In the case of an electric toothbrush, just sanitize the brush head. Soak it in a bowl and microwave it for no more than 5 minutes.
- Denture cleanser: Half of the denture cleanser: Mix half of the denture tablet into a cup of water. And soak the brush head and leave it for 30 minutes.
Still not convinced? You can check out How to remove mold from toothbrush and you get a clear knowledge on sanitizing your toothbrush
FAQ
What happens if you use your sibling’s toothbrush?
If you use the toothbrush, whether it’s your sibling’s or any stranger’s, anything can happen if he carries germs that are harmful and contagious. But by taking some instant steps, you can get rid of any severe issues after using another brush.
Can you get gum disease from sharing a toothbrush?
Yes, through the bacteria called Porphyromonas gingivalis, you can easily affect your gums by sharing a toothbrush.
Can you get HPV from sharing a toothbrush?
It’s no wonder that you get HPV from using a person’s toothbrush who is a carrier of HPV. If somehow your gum starts to bleed while brushing with that toothbrush, the virus will easily enter your bloodstream and cause HPV.
Can I use my spouse’s toothbrush?
No, it’s totally unhygienic and unhealthy to use your spouse’s toothbrush. Why do you do such a thing!
What kind of bacteria is on your toothbrush?
Toothbrushes harbor several types of bacteria and viruses. Flu viruses, E. coli, strep virus, staph bacteria, and yeast fungus are mostly common in the forest of bristles in a toothbrush.
Verdict
Reading the article, you have already learned that accidentally using someone else’s toothbrush is not a pleasing thing. So, whenever you’re in doubt about using a toothbrush, replace it.
If replacement is not possible, disinfect the brush. If somehow you lost your brush, skipping brushing is better than sharing a brush.
Always try to keep extra brushes. For better care of your oral health, never do something like sharing another person’s toothbrush.
Also read what to do If you have Tooth Pain After Using Electric Toothbrush?