Dr. Kunal Sood, a physician specializing in anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine, published an Instagram post on April 3, 2025, under the title 'When you discover that reusing the same toothbrush after a cold could expose you to persistent microbes.' In his post, he emphasized the importance of maintaining toothbrush hygiene to reduce the risk of exposure to these lingering microbes.

Your toothbrush holding onto germs after a cold?

Dr. Sood advises that replacing your toothbrush following an illness is a prudent measure to avoid the transmission of germs. He stated, "Is it possible that your toothbrush retains germs after a cold? Although there is no definitive evidence that viruses remain infectious on a toothbrush, studies indicate that they can harbor bacteria, fungi, and various pathogens, some of which can develop resilient biofilms. When you are suffering from a cold, this can increase your susceptibility to additional infections."

Tips for maintaining your toothbrush

According to him, 'to reduce the risk of reinfection', here's what you should do:

1. Rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use.

2. Store the toothbrush upright in a dry, ventilated area.

3. Disinfect your toothbrush with UV light, chlorhexidine, or steam.

4. Replace the toothbrush after an illness.

According to Dr Sood, here's how often you should replace your toothbrush:

1. Every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn out.

2. Worn-out bristles don't clean as effectively and can leave more plaque behind.

3. Toothbrushes collect microbes over time, even if they look clean.

4. A fresh toothbrush helps maintain oral health and may even lower the risk of some systemic diseases.

Apart from checking your toothbrush regularly for wear and tear, you should also avoid some common brushing mistakes for good oral health.

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