Dentist shares grim warning to people who brush their teeth in the shower

It could make you ill

Many people try to save themselves time during their morning routine by brushing their teeth in the shower.

Although the dentist says that brushing your teeth in the shower isn’t necessarily bad for your teeth, it can have a negative impact on your body in other ways.

Dentist Payal Bhalla said that the practice exposes your mouth to bacteria it wouldn’t normally be in contact with.

Bhalla is the lead dentist and clinical director of Quest Dental, said: “Sharing the same water source for brushing your teeth and cleaning your body can lead to the transfer of germs from other parts of your body to your mouth. This could then compromise your immune system and lead to unwanted illness.

“The showerhead can harbour bacteria, and when you brush your teeth under the showerhead, you may be exposing your toothbrush to those bacteria, again increasing your likelihood of illness.

“If you share the shower with someone else, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Sharing a toothbrush or exposing your toothbrush to someone else's bacteria can lead to the spread of germs.”

Bhalla also warned that the water mixing with the excess toothpaste can create a more slippery surface on the floor of the shower.

Not only can cross-contamination between brushing your teeth and washing your body in the same water be bad for your health, but the hot water can also damage your toothbrush.

Bhalla said: “Hot water in the shower can cause the bristles of your toothbrush to soften, which can make it less effective in cleaning your teeth.

“Furthermore, it is recommended by dental experts to use an electric toothbrush for a more thorough clean, and whilst most electric toothbrushes are waterproof, I wouldn't recommend submerging them in water as it could damage the mechanism and bristles.”