I’m on a bus in Israel, from Jerusalem to Ashdod, after spending a great weekend with my brother is Jerusalem. I figured why not use the time to write my first “proper” post. I decided to go with Health as the first topic I write about. Hope you enjoy.
Health is one of the things in my life that I am extremely passionate about. I like to think of myself as the Billy Beane of medicine. I’m always questioning the conventional wisdom – and I practice what I preach.
The problem I will discuss in this post, is that peoples toothbrushes are much dirtier and hazardous to their health than they may think.
Because most people keep their toothbrushes in the bathroom, bacteria from the mouth isn't the only contaminant. Bacteria, molds, and fungi love moist environments, like the bathroom.
Flushing the toilet propels germs from the toilet into the air, where they can land on toothbrushes.
Toothbrushes are usually stored together, so contact between family members' toothbrushes can spread germs from one brush to another.
And don't think that you can just solve this problem by putting the toothbrush in your medicine cabinet. They also do well in the dark, so the medicine cabinet provides an ideal environment for germs to survive and even multiply!
A number of studies suggest that oral heath is associated with general health. USA Today Health Review for April 27, 2000 reported: "The most serious threat to your everyday health may be hanging in plain sight in your bathroom."
Researchers have found more than 10,000,000 bacteria living on a single toothbrush.
Viruses that cause colds, flu, and fever blisters can survive for many days on toothbrushes.
Influenza (the flu) virus, herpes simplex I, streptococci, staphylococci, yeasts, and the bacteria that cause gum disease, cavities, and even diarrheal illness can survive --some even thrive-- in high numbers on toothbrushes.
Toothbrushes become infected some time between one week and one month after initial use. The ADA and most dentists recommend changing toothbrushes only every three to four months!!!
Some sources report that most American are likely to change their toothbrushes only twice a year - that's disgusting!
When I learnt of all the disgusting bacteria that is left on your toothbrush over time, I immediately ordered bulk toothbrushes online, and have been using a new toothbrush for every brush since. Not a new toothbrush everyday, butevery BRUSH. Yes, I know, I’ve lost my mind. I know it is wasting a lot of plastic, but I have found that the replaceable heads are much more expensive than buying the toothbrushes in bulk. I consider this to be a great luxury for me at a bargain (only about $350 a year). I believe everyone needs to change their toothbrush much more often than they currently do. I was even about to create a company that sells subscriptions to new toothbrush heads, but I was getting the feeling that I was the only one interested in a fresh brush every brush. You can check out the PowerPoint on the marketing plan for my marketing class here http://www.slideshare.net/mikisegal/brushrite-marketing-plan (keep in mind it was two years ago and not the best quality project, although I did get an A). If you haven’t caught on, I’m trying to start a trend!: order your toothbrushes NOW @ http://practicon.com/SmileGoods%C2%AE-A401-Toothbrushes/p/70-45229/c/800/ - awesome quality toothbrushes! Anyway, this toothbrush thing is obviously pretty extreme, and can serve to illustrate how seriously I practice what I believe in.
I think it’s about time you go replace your toothbrush.
I think the next post I do on health will be on the Rambam’s (Maimonides) health and diet principles, unless you guys have any other suggestions.
All of your comments and feedback are much appreciated.
Thanks for reading!
-Miki
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