According to a recent study at Manchester University, there are more than ten million bacteria on your toothbrush more than your average toilet seat which has 50 bacteria per square inch, or average public lavatory floor which has two million bacteria per square inch. every time you flush the loo, an aerosol spray of tainted water is released with droplets able to land as far away as 10 feet. Researchers from the University of Alabama found that brushes stored in the bathroom are contaminated with faecal matter lingering in the bristles. One way to safeguard your toothbrush is to use a Steripod toothbrush protector.
Steripod is designed to safeguard a toothbrush, protecting it against environmental contamination, keeping it clean and smelling fresh, for up to three months using a patented design with “active vapours” – a laboratory formulated thymol compound. Thymol is used in many mouthwashes and oral anti-septic’s. The compound is encapsulated in plastic with small holes which allows the thymol vapours to escape and protectively encircle the toothbrush bristles. The product has been specially designed so that air can circulate freely which means your toothbrush can dry naturally – contaminants require a moist atmosphere to multiply most effectively, so the drier your brush, the lower the risk of bad bugs on your bristles.
There are a wide number of people for whom a Steripod will offer an attractive prospect; people travelling for work or pleasure; festival goers, kids going off to camp as well as the increasing number of us, aware of the health and aesthetic benefits of regular brushing like to pop a toothbrush in our gym, hand or wash bags. For anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment, carrying a brush to clean the teeth after meals is imperative. For all these, and many others, Steripod is ideal to ensure their toothbrush remains hygienic and fresh.
So other than ensuring you have a Steripod, what’s the best way to keep your toothbrush clean and fresh? Dentist Mervin Druin gives his top tips to ensure your brush remains as hygienic as possible.
1. Don’t flush where you brush
If you store your toothbrush near your toilet make sure you close the lid when you flush to minimise the dispersal of contaminated water droplets.
2. Rinse thoroughly after use
Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly under running water after use, making sure that all toothpaste has been removed. Shake off as much excess water as possible.
3. Store it upright
Store your brush in an upright position – never in a bathroom cabinet where air cannot circulate as this could promote bacterial growth.
4. Replace your toothbrush regularly
Make sure to replace your toothbrush and Steripod every three months – buy them at the same time. If like many of us you need a reminder Steripod can send you a gentle email nudge every 80 days to remind you that your pod and your brush need an update.
And if you’ve been suffering with a cold or flu it’s a good idea to replace your toothbrush rather than reinfecting yourself.
5. Don’t share it
Never be tempted to share a toothbrush, even with your loved one. And avoid contact with other toothbrushes that may be stored in the same vicinity.
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Steripods are available from Boots, £4.99 for a pack of two.