Replacing a toothbrush after recovering from an illness like the flu or strep throat is common practice, and the same hygiene question applies following a COVID-19 infection. The concern centers on whether the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can linger on the toothbrush bristles or handle and potentially cause a re-infection or spread to others. While the risk of re-infecting oneself with the same virus strain is generally considered low, prudence dictates a simple, low-cost measure to minimize potential risk. Understanding how the virus survives on surfaces and implementing specific hygiene steps ensures a safe return to routine oral care.
The Direct Recommendation for Replacement
The consensus from health experts and dental professionals is that you should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head after recovering from a COVID-19 infection. This step is a straightforward precautionary measure against the possibility of germs lingering on the bristles. The timing for this replacement is typically once you have completed your isolation period and your symptoms have fully resolved.
For most people, this means swapping out the brush around the ten-day mark from the onset of symptoms or a positive test, provided they are no longer experiencing a fever and other symptoms are improving. Following the recommended isolation guidelines is the signal to replace the brush and resume a normal hygiene routine. This practice is especially important if you share a toothbrush holder with other household members, as it prevents cross-contamination.
Understanding Viral Survival on Surfaces
The recommendation to replace the toothbrush stems from knowledge about how long SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable on common household surfaces. Studies have shown that the virus can survive for varying periods on materials like plastic and stainless steel, which are components of a toothbrush and its holder. On nonporous plastic surfaces, the virus has been shown to remain detectable for up to 72 hours, or three days, under laboratory conditions.
Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity influence the exact survival time of the virus. However, the plastic handle and nylon bristles of a toothbrush present a potential reservoir for viral particles. When an infected person brushes, virus-laden droplets from the mouth and respiratory tract contaminate the bristles and handle. Although the virus is not highly stable on surfaces, its presence for several hours to a few days is enough to warrant caution, particularly to protect others in the immediate environment.
The risk of re-infection from one’s own toothbrush is minimal because the body has developed an immune response to the specific strain that caused the illness. The greater concern relates to the potential transmission of the virus to other people in the household. If toothbrushes are stored closely together in a communal cup, the virus can transfer from one brush to another through contact or aerosol spread, emphasizing the need for separation and eventual replacement.
Essential Post-Infection Oral Hygiene
Beyond simply changing the toothbrush, several other hygiene practices are important to prevent cross-contamination and maintain a healthy oral environment post-infection. Throughout the illness, and immediately after recovery, it is helpful to store the infected person’s toothbrush separately from all others in the home. This separation helps to prevent the direct transfer of viral particles between brushes.
Do not attempt to disinfect the toothbrush with high heat or strong chemical solutions, as this can damage the plastic and bristles or leave behind harmful residue. Instead of sharing a tube of toothpaste, the person who was sick should use a separate, personal tube until the isolation period is over.
It is also beneficial to wipe down the toothbrush holder and surrounding bathroom surfaces with a household disinfectant, as the handle of the brush can transfer viral particles to these areas. Maintaining a consistent and thorough oral hygiene routine during and after the illness is also important, as good dental health may reduce the overall viral load in the mouth. This includes brushing twice daily and using mouthwash or saline rinses, which can help reduce the concentration of viruses and bacteria in the oral cavity.