Is it healthy or horrifying for couples to share a toothbrush in an emergency?

Question

overlord337645 · Accepted Answer

Increased risk of infection:
Toothbrushes can be home to bacteria and viruses, and sharing can introduce these to another person's mouth, potentially leading to infections or blood born pathogens if the primary user has had bleeding gums while useing it.

Potential for bloodborne pathogens:
Bleeding gums during extensive brushing can transfer blood to the bristles on the brush, and if someone shares that brush with there partner, they could be exposed to bloodborne viruses like herpes or hepatitis, according to a dentist in Manchester, IA.

Concentration of germs:
Toothbrushes are used to scrub the teeth, and the bristles are in close contact with the mouth's flora, potentially transferring a higher concentration or amount of bacteria and viruses than a simple kiss will.

Invisible risks:
Even if a toothbrush looks clean, it can still harbor invisible pathogens or viruses that have the possibility be harmful to other people.

Why kissing is generally considered less risky:
Saliva is a natural exchange:
kissing is a natural part of human interaction, and saliva exchange is a common and expected part of it.
Lower risk of bloodborne pathogens:

kissing doesn't typically involve the same level of abrasion or potential for bleeding as brushing, which reduces the risk of bloodborne virus transmission additionally washing it with warm water is not a gauruntee all blood cells are cleaned from the brush.

Maybe_Maybe_not · Accepted Answer

It's really trivial, I don't get this outcry I'm looking at in the comments lol, dual-standard views about hygiene? I mean being with someone means, biologically, that we're sharing bacteria all the time, by kissing, touching and I didn't even start talking about intercourses... So what's wrong with a toothbrush? 🤣

Simslover92 · Accepted Answer

I'd rather brush my teeth with my fingers than resort to that. That's very unsanitary. Bacteria can get in your teeth from your partner and cause infections if you're not careful.

EmmaMary · Accepted Answer

I can't think of anything more horrifying and unhealthy. 🤮

Redstang88 · Answer

Seems weird for that to bother couples. Ex girlfriend years ago asked to use my toothbrush when she slept over, sounded like it was a huge deal and she seemed almost embarrassed to ask. Like babe I was licking your ass 20 minutes ago, yes you can use my toothbrush 😂

Purpleronnie · Answer

Not that I’ve done it on a regular basis or expect to need to but following a basic principle of rinsing it under hot water or with some mouthwash containing alcohol this would kill 99% of the bacteria that may be on it.

Let’s be honest though most people ( not me ) leave their toothbrush un-covered in a room where they piss , shower and 💩 , so all that dirt and bacteria that’s in the air when people flush without closing the lid on the toilet …. Where might that land?

ProbablyClueless · Answer

Meh... it doesn't sound unreasonable honestly. Not something you'd want to make a regular habit of, but I don't know why it would be a problem in a pinch.

Especially not when you think about all the other fluids and germs couples share.

Red_Arrow · Answer

It is okay as long as you do not also use it to scrub the toilet.

V1ka5h · Answer

You can go with one toothbrush as it's an emergency... else you can use you finger as @simslover92 said

Kayla45 · Answer

Or… I could go to dollarama and get a new one for like $1 CAD…..

alice55 · Answer

In emergency it's ok if not it's not the best idea.

Jersey2 · Answer

It’s normal. I mean these people have oral sex together so a toothbrush is low on the list of things in that regard.

MrChinaski · Answer

Honestly? So there are kids starving in Gaza and your thoughts are with a toothbrush?

Shiprex · Answer

Not really, if you think about it, kissing and snogging as well as other things you do with your mouths are just as intimate though there should be toothpaste that's dealing with much of the harmful bacteria and other stuff on it.

Babygirl_S · Answer

Only if he isn’t a certified manwhore/whorebag because that is a contaminated toothbrush for sure 👌🏻

jahaims · Answer

I eat her ass. The last thing I'm worried about is her toothbrush lol

molonski2 · Answer

In an emergency just use , then throw out , hardly an issue , but I think preference would be to use your own.

Ricc125 · Answer

Why would I wanna brush with someone else's teeth brush that probably has a weeks worth of food particles and possibly bacteria ? Why?

Sazidhassan · Answer

People can suck eah other gentials but not share toothbrudh thats weird?

nawtee_me · Answer

Sharing it all the time is best. You kiss don’t you

seeyounexttuesday · Answer

I mean I've had my tongue in her ass, her tooth brush shouldn't be a problem but it is.

NicholasRedone · Answer

@liaraven 100 percent horrifying to the likes of me 😨🫦

AviatorTom · Answer

Though less than desirable, it's not a problem to share a toothbrush. The couple already shares fluids when they are kissing and being intimate. Besides, there are more germs on a toothbrush all by itself than in the person's mouth whose using it.

Flower7 · Answer

Horrifying. So unsanitary. The one who lost a toothbrush should just chew some gum or buy a new toothbrush on their way to work and brush their teeth in the work bathroom.

RingOfFire · Answer

🤮 Very bad idea for health to share toothbrush with anyone.

Awantika03 · Answer

If you can kiss 💋 😘 why you can not share toothpaste and toothbrush 🪥 💕

WonderingManII · Answer

If you are married, then what is the big deal? Your sharing other body fluids.

Grond21 · Answer

No issues. It's an emergency and they share saliva all the time

Kingofkings1992 · Answer

I wouldn’t classify it as “horrifying,” but it’s definitely not hygienic. A one time thing is fine, but doing it on the regular would be gross.

Iron_Man · Answer

I wouldn’t do that just skip the night or rinse with hydrogen peroxide or use your finger

MemeSupreme · Answer

both lol its why i always got a spare

CubaPirate · Answer

Unhygienic imao

Agape93 · Answer

Healthy. We swap fluids often, wtf do I care?

Anonymous · Answer

I think it's not healthy.

exitseven · Answer

I do not think it is bad.

soe11 · Answer

emergency is exception.

missvexie · Answer

That’s a no, genuinely a bad idea with anyone…

Wise4myage · Answer

Not healthy.

DishLady · Answer

Gross... A toothbrush emergency? Come on...

Cormac995 · Answer

Neither. It's "Cute in a weird way"

eagle1951 · Answer

nasty

4ngriffKitty36 · Answer

Both of them.

Kelly6 · Answer

@liaraven Its totally ok

RedInnocent69 · Answer

Cringe but not horrific

nicfire171 · Answer

Healthy

Panthero80 · Answer

It certainly isn't healthy.

truecrimelover1999 · Answer

I wouldn’t do it personally

Robert1971 · Answer

I dont

Anonymous · Answer

It’s fine

fish5505_87 · Answer

Both!

Is it healthy or horrifying for couples to share a toothbrush in an emergency?

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