There are two groups of people in this world: There are those who find it the most blasphemous thing in the world to use their partner's brush even once, and those who say "ok, it happens sometimes, big deal".
Regardless of which group you belong to, you should know that sharing a brush with your partner is not the most "healthy" thing when it comes to oral hygiene.
But if you happen to borrow his or her toothbrush from time to time, you're not alone. According to an online survey on match.com, out of 1100 people, 22% of people admit that they do this relatively often. 76% say that it has happened to them at least once, but their partner did not find out.
This habit might not seem so bad - you're sharing it with a person you regularly kiss after all. But according to orthodontist Ana Castilla, changing saliva and changing brushes are not the same thing – at all. And that's why she would never recommend it.
"The mouth is home to hundreds of different types of bacteria and occasionally some viruses can be easily transferred from one person to another using a toothbrush, including viruses responsible for colds, flu, herpes and even periodontal disease," says Dr. Castilla.
Even if you believe you're both perfectly healthy, when it comes to bacteria and the spread of infection, it's best to be safe.
So the next time you can't find a brush, don't just grab the first thing that comes your way. Dentists would prefer a (disinfected) finger cleaning, of course in cases where *your* personal brush is not available.
Source: Well & Good
