Pseudomonas and Your Toothbrush

Oral bacteria research is booming and in the coming years, we’re set to gain a clearer picture of how these bacteria impact the lung microbiome. It’s amazing to think that our mouths host over 700 types of bacteria—some helpful, some harmful, and some we’re still trying to figure out.

For those of us managing NTM infections like MAC, here’s a bit of reassurance: NTM bacteria are typically absent in the mouth. However, coughing can bring secretions into our mouth, where they might settle on our toothbrush.

I personally rotate through several toothbrushes and give mine a quick scrub with dish soap every day. I also use a Bril UV sanitizer from Amazon to disinfect my toothbrush after each use, letting it air-dry afterward. This setup is super handy when I travel. At home, I put my toothbrushes in a Bololo baby bottle sterilizer, along with my airway clearance devices.🦷❤️

One key tip—don’t store your toothbrush in a shared cup and be sure to keep it far from the toilet! Studies have found pseudomonas bacteria from toilets on nearby toothbrushes.😱🚽

Finally, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential for a healthy mouth, which supports overall health.🦷🪥🦷

#ToiletLidDown
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