The U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine has developed a Bite Site to enhance dental wellness. MAJ Georgia DelaCruz, DMD, MPH Dental Staff Officer, Wellness Resource Program, Directorate of Health Promotion and Wellness U.S. Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM) hosts the H4H Clinician's Corner column every month to bring you clinical information, studies, and readiness commentary. She is the Fit 2 Bite dental subject matter expert! USACHPPM risk communications staff members support the review of Fit 2 Bite content.

If you have a question or comment related to dental wellness visit the dentist's chair, flash your smile, and fire away!

'Tis the season to share, but during the winter months germs are all too readily shared between Family members. The mouth is home to more microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and other germs than any other area of the body. These microorganisms cause tooth decay, gum disease, mouth sores and other infections that can cause a person to eat poorly or develop health problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that "When done routinely and properly, tooth brushing can reduce the amount of plaque which contains the bacteria associated with gum disease and tooth decay, as well as provide the cavity-preventing benefits of fluoride." But can your toothbrush actually spread germs? Some companies are promoting the use of chemicals, devices or procedures to disinfect toothbrushes, claiming that your toothbrush can become contaminated with microorganisms, food debris and toothpaste during brushing that can make you sick.

These claims are not supported by the CDC. According to the CDC, "no published research data documents that brushing with a contaminated toothbrush has led to recontamination of a user's mouth, oral infections, or other adverse health effects." The CDC does recommend practicing some simple toothbrush hygiene procedures to help ensure the health and wellness of your Family. (See the box below)

More information regarding the use and handling of toothbrushes can be found on the CDC website:
      http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm

The gift of oral fitness is one that lasts a lifetime!

This article was reviewed by MAJ Georgia DelaCruz, DMD, MPH Dental Staff Officer, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

• Do not share toothbrushes. The exchange of body fluids that such sharing would foster places toothbrush sharers at an increased risk for infections, a particularly important consideration for persons with compromised immune systems or infectious diseases.

• After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to ensure the removal of toothpaste and debris, allow it to air-dry, and store it in an upright position. If multiple brushes are stored in the same holder, do not allow them to contact each other.

• It is not necessary to soak toothbrushes in disinfecting solutions or mouthwash. This practice actually may lead to cross-contamination of toothbrushes if the same disinfectant solution is used over a period of time or by multiple users.

• It is also unnecessary to use dishwashers, microwaves, or ultraviolet devices to disinfect toothbrushes. These measures may damage the toothbrush.

• Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. Such conditions (a humid environment) are more conducive to bacterial growth than the open air.

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles appear worn or splayed. This recommendation of the American Dental Association is based on the expected wear of the toothbrush and its subsequent loss of mechanical effectiveness, not on its bacterial contamination.

A decision to purchase or use products for toothbrush disinfection requires careful consideration, as the scientific literature does not support this practice at the present time.

* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention