H1N1 and your toothbrush

H1N1 is a relatively new disease from Mexico.

It's hit the world by storm.
Garlic prices have increased.
Mass hysteria has hit parts of Asia.

But it's just a flu, (albeit a very nasty one).

Here's a tip: clean/replace your toothbrush regularly.

Why:

• Your tooth brush is a haven for microbes. It's not sterile.
• When you use the same (unclean) toothbrush, you expose yourself to reinfection.
• Even if you're sick, you're increasing your microbial load through your toothbrush.

How:

• Microwave your toothbrush on high for 10 seconds.
• Dunk your tooth brush in boiling water for 5 minutes.
• Soak your tooth brush in an antimicrobial (Salt water, Listerine, Chlorhexidine).
  
• Or you can simply buy another toothbrush.

-Dr. Goodtooth
(note: Dr. Goodtooth has no competing interest or stock in any toothbrush manufacturing company. He recommends using whatever toothbrush you feel like, as long as it's comfortable. More on toothbrushes on a later post).