Latest news with #SamuelChoudhury
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
60% of toothbrushes contain faecal matter: Here's how to keep yours clean
Here's a disgusting stat that will ruin your morning routine: more than 60% of toothbrushes are contaminated with faecal matter. Yes, your toothbrush. And no, it's not because you're gross, it's because your bathroom is a bacterial playground. When you flush with the lid up (which we all do), tiny poop particles launch into the air and land on every surface, including your toothbrush. Add humidity, poor ventilation, and bad storage habits, and boom: you're brushing your teeth with the toilet's greatest hits. Dr Samuel Choudhury, a Harvard-trained physician, highlighted in a February 16 Instagram post that a common daily habit could actually be unhygienic. He also shared smart, science-backed advice on the best places to store your toothbrush safely, helping you maintain cleanliness and better oral health. Here's exactly how to keep your toothbrush clean and faecal-free. 7 ways to keep your toothbrush clean and faecal matter-free Toilet splash is the main villain Toilets don't just flush, they aerosolize. Studies show flushing can launch microscopic droplets of water and bacteria up to 6 feet in the air. These droplets settle on your sink, your soap and yep, your toothbrush. If your brush lives on the counter and you flush with the lid up, it's catching toilet fallout every single day. Always close the toilet lid before flushing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo Always. Store your brush far from the toilet Proximity matters. The closer your brush is to the toilet, the higher the risk of faecal matter exposure. A toothbrush parked right beside the bowl might as well be soaking in toilet broth. Keep your toothbrush at least 1 metre away, or store it in a medicine cabinet with ventilation. Let it dry in the open—not inside a case Moisture is bacteria's playground. If you're storing your toothbrush in a plastic case or travel tube at home, it's basically a spa for germs. Research has confirmed that the damp, dark environment encourages bacteria to multiply, especially faecal bacteria. Use an upright, open holder with airflow. No travel cases unless you're, well, travelling. Rinse it like you mean it We rinse our mouths, but not always our brushes and that's where build-up starts. After every use, food particles, toothpaste residue, and bacteria cling to the bristles. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly under hot running water after every use, and shake off excess water. Disinfect it once a week Even with perfect habits, toothbrushes still collect bacteria over time. You don't need to boil it or microwave it (please don't) just give it a weekly disinfecting dip. Soak the brush head in hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash for 10 minutes once a week. Rinse well. Change it often (like, really often) Using the same brush for 6+ months? Nope. Aside from faecal risk, worn-out bristles don't clean teeth effectively and harbour more bacteria. Replace your toothbrush every 3 months. If you've been sick? Replace it immediately. Never, ever share a toothbrush Even if it's your partner, sibling, or roommate, sharing a toothbrush means sharing bacteria, including gut flora, viruses, and yep, potential poop particles. Be territorial. Your toothbrush = your toothbrush. Toothbrushes are like skincare, you don't see the dirt until it's messing things up. And in this case, that dirt is literally poop. So yes, over 60% of toothbrushes contain faecal matter, but now you know how to keep yours spotless. With a few tweaks- distance, drying, and disinfecting, you can brush your teeth without brushing your fears. Hygiene is self-care, and your mouth deserves nothing less. Also read| 'ChatGPT helped me lose 27 kilos in 6 months': Man says after life-changing AI transformation
Jordan News
26-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan News
A Common Mistake That Could Contaminate Your Toothbrush with Germs - Jordan News
Dr. Samuel Choudhury, a resident doctor in Singapore, revealed a common mistake many people make when using their toothbrush without realizing its potential health risks. اضافة اعلان In a video posted on Instagram, Choudhury explained that placing your toothbrush near the toilet exposes it to bacteria, viruses, and even airborne fecal particles. He explained that flushing the toilet can cause bacteria to rise up to 6 feet (about 1.83 meters) in the air, making the toothbrush vulnerable to these contaminants if placed near the toilet. He emphasized that simply using a toothbrush cover doesn't protect it. In fact, it could increase bacteria growth due to the humid environment it creates. Choudhury referenced a 2015 study on toothbrushes in student dorms, which found that 60% of them were contaminated with fecal matter, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue. He further explained that plastic covers, which many people believe protect their toothbrushes, may actually increase the risk of bacteria growth instead of preventing it. To protect your toothbrush from contamination, Choudhury offered some practical advice: Store the toothbrush vertically to ensure proper drainage of water and reduce moisture buildup. Replace the toothbrush or its head every 3 to 4 months to maintain cleanliness and effectiveness. Keep the toothbrush away from the toilet and close the lid when flushing to prevent airborne particles from spreading. Store the toothbrush in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry quickly, reducing bacteria growth. As for UV sterilizers or mouthwash cleaning, Choudhury noted that these are not entirely necessary if the basic steps are followed. This warning comes after scientific studies highlighted that flushing the toilet releases microscopic droplets containing bacteria such as E. coli and S. aureus, which can cause gastrointestinal infections or respiratory diseases if inhaled. Dr. Wajid Ali, a researcher at the China University of Earth Sciences, confirmed that improving bathroom ventilation systems and strengthening exhaust fans can reduce the concentration of these particles in the air, contributing to public health protection.
