As soon as you wake up, start with your daily routine, you reach for the essentials you trust to get ready for the day. But behind these essential items are hidden the serious health risks that they carry.
Recently, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, Board-certified gastroenterologist, warned in his Instagram post about three toxic everyday essentials in your bathroom that could potentially be putting your health at risk.
The First Culprit: Toothbrush
The standout item in the list is the toothbrush. He explained that over 75% of the individuals continued to use their toothbrushes for more than 3 months, which is beyond the recommended range.
After a span of 3 months, toothbrushes can lose up to thirty percent of its cleaning power, and bacteria build up on the bristles. So, if the toothbrush has been used for three to four months, it is time to toss it.Dr. Saurabh Sethi, MD, MPH, Gastroenterologist
A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene assessed the effectiveness of plaque removal based on the toothbrush wear of manual toothbrushes. The study revealed that toothbrushes with extreme wear were less effective than those with little or no wear. If the bristles of the brush are splayed, then the amount of plaque removed was lowered. Hence, if the bristles are splayed, then it is time to change the toothbrush.[1]
The Second Culprit: Razor Blades
Next up on the list is dull razor blades. Dr. Sethi said it is necessary to replace razor blades after 5 to 7 uses. Using a dull razor blade can increase the occurrence of skin irritation by tenfold. Failing to replace them can increase the chances of skin infection and damage.
The Third Culprit: Mouthwash
According to Dr. Sethi, numerous studies have found that antimicrobial mouthwash can affect the gut microbiome balance. He explained that these mouthwashes can harm the good bacteria, which in turn causes an imbalance in your gut microbiome.
This viral video on Instagram has captured everyone’s attention. Many people have started questioning other everyday essentials in the bathroom, like loofahs.
References:
1. Van Leeuwen, Martijn PC, Fridus A. Van der Weijden, Dagmar Else Slot, and Martijn AM Rosema. "Toothbrush wear in relation to toothbrushing effectiveness." International Journal of Dental Hygiene 17, no. 1 (2019): 77-84. Accessed on 12 March 2025.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Nethra Suryanarayanan/MSM)