An orthodontist's advice about storing your toothbrush with the cap on: it's not recommended.

In Spain, it's quite common to find toothbrushes sold in pharmacies and supermarkets protected by a kind of plastic cap (in most cases) on the brush head. In theory, this could be a particularly necessary hygiene measure to prevent contamination by bacteria and microorganisms from the environment on the brush bristles.

A gesture that at first seems like a good idea might not be, due to the moisture it accumulates , which fertilizes the environment for all kinds of toxins that will then enter our mouths with the next brushing, with the consequent risk of cavities, gingivitis, or periodontitis . This is what orthodontist Janira Sánchez has expressed on her TikTok social network, where she explains why it is not advisable to cover your toothbrush.

The cap on the toothbrush, yes or no?

Oral health experts who recommend using a cap on your toothbrush do so with one uncompromising caveat: that the cap be sufficiently ventilated so that the bristles and the moisture they contain after brushing do not accumulate, and that it be properly ventilated to prevent bacterial growth.

In this sense, if the cap we're talking about can be made of another , more hygienic and breathable material instead of plastic, all the better. On the opposite side of professional opinion, however, are dentists and hygienists who advocate for this accessory to disappear from our daily routine.

The reasons given by those who oppose the cap are that the humidity maintained for hours on end on the bristles stimulates the growth of microbes and bacteria, which find this habitat a perfect breeding ground. Therefore, what should initially be a hygiene measure becomes fertile ground for serious oral health problems , including infections.

Janira Sánchez: "The toothbrush cap multiplies bacteria."

Orthodontist Janira Sánchez shares countless pieces of content on her social media, offering dental hygiene tips and other oral health information. In this case, we're focusing on the video in which she debunks the belief that a cap protects your toothbrush and keeps it spotless.

"People think the cap protects them from bacteria, when in reality, the moisture trapped between the bristles encourages fungal and bacterial growth ," she says. The expert adds that, in addition to placing the cap in a vertical, uncapped glass, we should also keep it in a closed cabinet to prevent contamination from unwanted particles in the air.

Although Sánchez recommends using a capless brush, if you prefer to use one, "always use a ventilated cap, and be careful to cover it after thoroughly drying the bristles to prevent moisture."

Basic toothbrush disinfection measures

The toothbrush, whether manual or electric , is a fundamental tool in daily hygiene, which is why it's essential to keep it properly disinfected. The fact that the toothbrush is in the bathroom, a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria , doesn't help. That's why special care must be taken.

To begin with, when flushing, never leave your toothbrush near the toilet, as microorganisms can travel several meters and land on the brush without you even noticing. After each use, rinse thoroughly under the tap to remove any remaining toothpaste, using previously washed hands , and dry it before placing it upright.

Another important thing to keep in mind, according to experts, and one we don't usually realize, is that we shouldn't pile up toothbrushes in the same glass , since their bristles will touch and, therefore, contaminate each other. Each brush should be placed in a glass, dry, and, if possible, in a cabinet that protects it from bacteria. Finally, the 3-3-3 rule, which consists of brushing three times a day ; for three minutes; and changing the brush every three months at most.

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