Experts: Consider tossing toothbrush after illness

As many recover from colds or the flu, dental experts recommend considering replacing your toothbrush.

Dr. Anne Clemons, a dentist at Cleveland Clinic, said while the risk of reinfection in healthy individuals is low, discarding a toothbrush after an illness is a “better safe than sorry” precaution.

“Frankly, most healthy people are probably at a very low risk of reinfecting themselves from something they've already really built an immunity to,” Clemons said. “But it’s kind of one of those maybe it’s better safe than sorry. It can’t hurt.”

Clemons advises replacing toothbrushes, including electric toothbrush heads, every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

To further prevent germ spread, she recommends storing toothbrushes separately and ensuring each household member uses their own toothpaste.

Maintaining good oral hygiene, regardless of illness, is crucial, Clemons emphasized. She suggests brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing, and using mouthwash.

“The mouth is connected to your whole body. We can’t just kind of separate it and put it over here,” Clemons said. “If there’s inflammation or other disease happening in the mouth, it doesn’t just stay in the mouth.”

She added that research continues to explore the connection between oral health and overall health, noting that even minor gum inflammation can impact the body.

Clemons also cautioned against increased sugar consumption during illness, suggesting sugar-free cough drops as an alternative.