Is Your Toothbrush Making You Sick?

Next time you load up on cough medicine and sinus pills, preparing for the onslaught of another cold, add a new toothbrush to your shopping list.

Germs left on your toothbrush can cause recurring colds and sore throats. To avoid catching the same cold over and over again, change toothbrushes at the first sign of a cold and change again when you regain your health. Germs thrive in dense toothbrushes, especially those with soft bristles, and not surprisingly, they also linger on toothbrush handles.

Viruses can survive for several days on a handle that's opaque or tinted, whereas a clear handle kills them faster with its ability to let light pass through.

Periodontal disease is painless. It affects 87% of the population, and often victims are unaware. There are warning signs, and the American Dental Association and our staff want you to be aware.

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or toothpick between them?
Are your gums red, swollen, or tender?
Are your gums pulling away from your teeth?
Do you see pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed?
Are your permanent teeth loose or separating?
Is there any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?
Is there any change in the fit of your partial dentures?
Do you have bad breath?
If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you owe it to yourself to bring it the doctor's attention. Act now and keep your teeth for a lifetime.