I’m a dentist and this is why you should never brush your teeth in the shower (it’s going to cost you more in the long run!)
A dentist has urged people to stop brushing their teeth in the shower, warning it could cost them more money in the long run.
Dr. Payal Bhalla, clinical director of Quest Dental in Ipswich, says this habit not only shortens the life of your toothbrush, but also increases your chances of getting sick.
Talking to the SubwayPayal emphasized how regular exposure to scalding hot water in the shower breaks down hair.
This means that people – who may think this approach saves time – will have to change their toothbrush more often as a result.
Meanwhile, the expert warned against “the transfer of germs from other parts of your body to your mouth” when brushing your teeth in the shower.
Dr. Payal Bhalla, clinical director of Quest Dental, urged people to brush their teeth over the sink rather than in the shower. He warned that the hot water breaks down the bristles. Stock photo
She continued, “The shower head can harbor bacteria, and if you brush your teeth under the shower head, you may be exposing your toothbrush to those bacteria, which in turn increases your risk of illness.”
In addition, the dentist advised people not to leave their toothbrush in the shower between washes.
She added, “Bacteria can build up on your toothbrush and potentially lead to oral health problems.”
Instead, she recommended keeping your toothbrush in a dry and clean place and away from potential cross-contamination areas, such as shared toilets or sinks.
In January, Payal revealed how juice cleanses, lemon water, and oat milk can erode your enamel, cause cavities, and leave you with a yellow smile.
Proponents argue that the liquid-only diet promotes weight loss, the citrus drink boosts the immune system, and plant-based milks are better for health and the planet.
Dr. Payal Bhalla, a dentist at Ipswich Dental Surgery, told MailOnline that while juice cleanses can improve overall health, they can cause “long-term damage” to teeth.
The diet consists of consuming only fruit and vegetable juices.
They usually last from one to ten days and promise rapid weight loss.
But it’s a crash diet — so unlikely to lead to long-term weight loss — and it doesn’t provide all the nutrients the body needs, such as protein.
In addition, Dr Bhalla said: ‘The high sugar content that comes from these juices after daily drinking can erode tooth enamel and promote cavities.
“The bacteria that sit on the teeth after drinking juice can also irritate the gums and eventually lead to gum disease.”
Even juices made only from fruit can contain about 16 g of sugar per 200 ml glass. But with many cleanses, people drink 3 liters a day.
Squeezing fresh lemon juice into water has been touted as a way to boost the immune system, aid digestion and support weight loss.
Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which studies suggest may help fight infection.
Citric acid has also been shown to help the stomach break down food, while the fruit is also believed to boost metabolism.
But dr. Bhalla said the habit can cause “enamel erosion or tooth decay” due to the drink being highly acidic.