How Many Bacteria Live On Your Toothbrush?

Remember our post that described how the toothbrush holder had been found to be the third ‘germiest’ household item? This research looked at something similar: it compared the amount of bacteria retained by two types of toothbrushes—solid-head and hollow-head.

Researchers found that toothbrushes with a hollow head had more bacterial contamination compared to the solid-head brushes. No great surprise really, since the hollow head toothbrushes have more places for germs to settle and grow.

While this research explained that no study has yet proven that bacterial growth on toothbrushes can cause disease, the author of the study, Dr Morris, did point out that several bacteria that they found on the toothbrushes in this study have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. You can read about the research here.

We recommend that you routinely rinse your toothbrush after use, shake off excess water and place it in a location where the bristles can air dry quickly, preferably away from the ‘flush zone’ of your toilet. And always replace the toothbrush or power head when it shows visible signs of wear, or at least every three months.