Even though yourtoothbrushmay have germs on it, it’s not likely to reinfect you with the illness.
Do Germs Stay on Your Toothbrush?
Even a bad case ofstrep throatdoesnt necessarily mean you have to get a new toothbrush.
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Can My Toothbrush Make Others Sick?
While you might not get reinfected, thegerms could spread to othersand make them sick.
Another time to consider throwing away your toothbrush is after having a cold sore.
Should I Disinfect My Toothbrush After Ive Been Sick?
You dont need to throw out your toothbrush and shouldnt venture to disinfect it after youve been sick.
But if youd feel better doing so, theres no harm in getting a new one.
Dental College of Georgia.Do you really need to toss your toothbrush after the flu?.
American Dental Association.Cold and flu season.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Don’t be quick to toss your toothbrush after a sore throat.
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2015;36:54-60. doi:10.1016/j.coi.2015.06.012
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Cold sore remedies dermatologists recommend.
J Basic Clin Pharm.
2022;26(9):5741-5749. doi:10.1007/s00784-022-04530-w
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Use and handling of toothbrushes.
