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Is Your Toothbrush a Germ Bomb?!

SOAK YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IN ALCOHOL
I've been soaking my toothbrush in isopropyl alcohol 24/7 since January, 2005 with fantastic results. Here's why: If the mouth contains millions of germs and you stick a toothbrush in your mouth, then you can safely assume that millions of germs are now sitting on your toothbrush. Sure toothpaste kills germs, but millions of germs are definitely going to survive toothpaste.

Opinions are interesting, but I like to do my research on this and get actual facts, so here are four solid quotes taken from "orasafe.com.au/press.htm"

1). The Journal of the American Dental Association:
"Studies have shown that contaminated toothbrushes not only harbor, but also transmit both viruses and bacteria that cause systemic, localized and oral inflammatory diseases."
(September 2001, Vol. 132, The effects of toothpastes on the residual microbial contamination of toothbrushes)

2). The Journal of Dentistry for Children:
"Streptococcus and pathogenic microorganisms can be transferred readily when a toothbrush is used, increasing the risk of dental caries and infectious diseases."
(May-June 1989; 56(3): 201-4, Residual contamination of toothbrushes by microorganisms)

3). The Journal of the Canadian Dental Association:
"Toothbrushes can transmit disease."
(2000; 66:186-7, Accepting the Need for "Overkill" in Infection Control)

4). Journal of Indian Society of Pedontics and Preventative Dentistry: "Cleaning the oral cavity is not the only procedure in maintaining oral hygiene, the oral hygiene device should also be kept clean" 2002;20(3):81-85: Contamination of a toothbrush at different time intervals and effectiveness of various disinfecting solutions in reducing the contamination of a toothbrush

RISK OF 'SUPER GERMS'
What does this mean? The next time you put your toothbrush in your mouth you will be inflicting biological warfare on your body. Why? Because you aren't just dealing with the germs you left on your toothbrush, you're also dealing with their offspring, offspring's offspring and so on. Studies have shown that germs can multiply up to thirty times over night, and the germs that survive are the stronger germs (or super germs).

BAD SMELL = GERMS
Consider also the environment germs enjoy - room temperature and moisture; that's your bathroom, and your toothbrush is very damp after brushing. Have you ever smelled your toothbrush (the idea probably makes you gag, right? So why on earth would you put that

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