This question has left many wondering if it’s really efficient or unsanitary to do it in the shower. Well, let’s break down the discussion for this.
It may not be a typical practice, but according to a dental health survey, approximately 4% of Americans - or between 13 to 15 million people - brush their teeth while in the shower. The survey revealed that those aged 18-44 are more likely to brush their teeth in the shower, with nearly twice as many respondents from this demographic participating than older generations. This number is increasing gradually.
Debates have long been raging over the sanitation of brushing teeth in the shower. Some people argue that it's unsanitary, while others say that it saves time and is more efficient. Ultimately, both sides have valid points.
In this article, we’ll tell you what you need to know about brushing your teeth in the shower. Read on!
Is it Sanitary to Brush Your Teeth in the Shower?
One risk to keep in mind when brushing your teeth in the shower is bacterial contamination. Your toothbrush might be exposed to bacteria present on other items like loofahs, scrubbers, and washcloths in the shower.
Also, living with other people in the same house can increase your chances of getting exposed to more bacteria. This includes bacteria found on shared toiletries, such as toothbrushes.
Proper storage of your toothbrush is essential to maintain its hygiene. Storing it the right way can help reduce the risk of bacterial contamination.
Poor dental hygiene practices, such as not letting your toothbrush dry between uses, can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow, resulting in potential health issues. Therefore, it is important to ensure your toothbrush is fully dry before each use.
For optimal care, it's best to store brushes in an upright position and a well-ventilated area with plenty of light. This will enable the brush to dry properly between uses.
Does it Save Time and Water?
People often argue that brushing their teeth in the shower can save time and conserve water. However, there might not be sufficient evidence to back up this claim.
Brushing in the shower may save time, but it does not necessarily help conserve water as both activities require hot water. Moreover, there are certain health risks associated with mixing toothpaste and other shower products that should be considered before opting for this convenience.
Multitasking in the shower can be problematic when it comes to brushing your teeth. Since you're occupied with other tasks - avoiding shampoo in your eyes, washing your face, scrubbing - you may not give enough attention to brushing for the recommended two minutes.
Additionally, spending more time in the shower while brushing your teeth might be counterintuitive as it can lead to increased water consumption. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), turning off the tap while you brush at the sink can lead to saving up to five gallons of water each day.
Dental professionals have cautioned against brushing teeth in the shower since it can lead to rushed, less thorough brushing of the teeth. Furthermore, this habit can also lead people to neglect flossing which is a very important part of oral hygiene.
Some dentists also pointed out against brushing your teeth in the shower as it may lead to inaccurate and ineffective results. When you don’t have a mirror to check, it becomes difficult to determine whether the food debris has been completely removed or not.
So let’s answer the question: is brushing in the shower bad for you? It is!
Brushing in the shower can be detrimental as it exposes them to a higher level of bacteria than if you brush at the sink. Your shower is a breeding ground for germs and bacteria—making it not the ideal place in your house to brush your teeth.
Brushing and rinsing your teeth in the shower can leave them vulnerable to picking up bacteria from the air, whether it be from yourself or someone else. Plus, whenever you spit in the shower, you are essentially mixing your own saliva with the bacteria present on the floor.
Not only is brushing your teeth in the shower unsanitary, but it is also a waste of water. Taking a shower requires more water than brushing your teeth at the sink and nobody wants to stop their perfect water temperature while brushing their teeth.
Environmentalists are questioning the water consumption of modern shower heads, with the American Water Works Association pointing out they use between 2½ to 3½ gallons a minute, as compared to 1 to 3 for sinks. It is unlikely that anyone can effectively juggle multiple tasks while shower brushing, as suggested by the officials at the non-profit organization. So, multitasking capability is the decisive factor here.
One thing is for sure--don’t forget to floss!
It is important to brush your teeth twice a day, no matter which way you choose - at the sink or on the go. Don't forget to floss as well for complete oral health. Dentists always recommend practices that improve the oral hygiene of their patients. This can include storing your toothbrush in a hygienic location. However, dental professionals stress that flossing should not be neglected.
Ask Our Dentists to Learn More About Improving Your Oral Hygiene!
Good oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. Fortunately, our team of dentists can provide personalized advice on how to best practice good oral hygiene.
At Monahan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer recommendations tailored to each individual's needs, including brushing and flossing techniques, choosing the right products for optimal dental health and more. Let our team of professionals help guide you in improving your oral hygiene today. Call us to get started!
