The communities of bacteria and viruses found on toothbrushes even show greater diversity compared to other bathroom items like showerheads, doorknobs, spray nozzles, and toilet seats.
Toothbrush heads, doorknobs, oral hygiene tools, and bathroom fixtures have long been known to harbor many types of harmful bacteria and viruses.
Recently, researchers at Northwestern University (USA) discovered several types of bacteria that have never been documented in any catalog and are entirely new to science, found on spray nozzles and toothbrushes.
Bacteria on toothbrushes tend to reflect the bacteria in the mouth. (Photo credit: Getty).
“It’s astonishing how many microorganisms have yet to be discovered around us,” said Erica Hartmann, a representative of the research team. “We found many lesser-known bacteria, as well as some that have never been seen before. You don’t even have to look far; it’s right in front of us.”
Erica Hartmann shared that she and her colleagues were inspired to study bacteria on toothbrushes due to recent concerns that flushing toilets could spread pathogens throughout the bathroom.
The research indicates that bacteria on toothbrushes tend to reflect the bacteria in the mouth. This means that if they contain a high number of bacteria, your oral health might also be in poor condition.
During their investigation, the researchers identified various types of bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacterial cells and proliferate within them.
Notably, the “community” of viruses and bacteria on toothbrushes even shows greater diversity than other bathroom instruments like showerheads, doorknobs, spray nozzles, and toilet seats.
However, only a few types of viruses and bacteria can pose a health risk to humans if they proliferate.
Erica Hartmann advises against overreacting to these mostly harmless bacteria. “Bacteria are everywhere, and the vast majority won’t make us sick,” Hartmann explained.
Regarding the habit of using disinfectants to keep bathrooms clean, this expert noted that sometimes, this may not be a good idea.
Using disinfectants to target bacteria can lead to them developing better resistance to drugs, making them harder to treat in the future.
