Combining oral hygiene with showering has become a popular practice for people looking to maximize efficiency during their morning routines. This multitasking approach seems logical for those who feel rushed, condensing two separate hygiene acts into one period. However, dental professionals and environmental advocates often raise questions about the true cost and effectiveness of this habit. Evaluating this routine requires looking closely at the sanitation of the environment, the quality of the cleaning, and the resources consumed.
Hygiene and Sanitation Considerations
The warm, moist environment of a shower is a perfect setting for the proliferation of various microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Mold and mildew thrive on shower surfaces, and these contaminants can easily transfer to a toothbrush brought into the cubicle. Even if the brush is only brought into the shower for the cleaning period, it is exposed to a high-humidity environment that is naturally less sanitary than an open bathroom counter.
Dental experts recommend storing your toothbrush upright and allowing it to air-dry completely between uses, ideally outside of the damp shower area. Placing the brush on a wet shelf or surface within the shower increases the risk of cross-contamination from soap scum, hard water deposits, and other residues. Furthermore, the water coming from a showerhead may contain biofilms or various types of bacteria, which are not ideal for rinsing the mouth or the toothbrush.
Impact on Brushing Technique
Achieving a thorough clean requires concentration and precision, which is often compromised in the shower environment. Effective brushing depends on maintaining the correct technique, such as angling the bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline to properly dislodge plaque. Without the visual feedback of a mirror, it becomes significantly more difficult to verify that the brush is reaching all surfaces, especially the lingual (tongue-side) and posterior molars.
The constant flow of water can encourage rushing and premature rinsing, which diminishes the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste. Dentists recommend brushing for a full two minutes; the distraction of showering can lead to a shorter, less focused effort and inadequate plaque removal. The dilution of the toothpaste by the shower water stream may also reduce its concentration and cleaning power.
Practicality and Water Conservation
The primary motivation for brushing in the shower is often the belief that it saves time and water, but this assumption is inaccurate. The environmentally conscious practice is to turn the sink faucet off for the duration of the two-minute brush time, using water only for wetting and a final rinse. Brushing at the sink while leaving the faucet running can waste up to four gallons of water per session.
A standard showerhead has a much higher flow rate than a sink faucet, meaning that keeping the shower running for the full two minutes of brushing wastes a substantial volume of water. Even with a low-flow showerhead, the water consumption over the recommended brushing time is far greater than the small amount needed to brush at the sink with the tap turned off.