A dentist has issued a warning to anyone who brushes their teeth in the shower.
Now, the shower is the perfect time to get ahead on a few things.
If you're like me, then you probably use that time to get a mental grocery list together or pluck those stray hairs that have been colonizing your face, but others take the time to combine a few simple tasks like cleansing or brushing your teeth.
Dr. Payal Bhalla, who is the Clinical Director of Quest Dental in Ipswich in the United Kingdom, has opened up about some potential dangers of doing the latter.
Speaking to Metro in a recent interview, the dental professional has some reservations about brushing your teeth in the shower because it could cost you a few extra dollars in the long term.
She stated that hot water can break down the bristles of your toothbrush and reduce its cleaning effectiveness over time, ultimately leaving you open to dental issues in the future.
Not only that, but cross-contamination can also occur when you use the same water source to wash your body and your mouth, leading to "the transfer of germs from other parts of your body to your mouth" which could potentially cause issues to your health.
"The showerhead can harbor bacteria, and when you brush your teeth under the showerhead, you may be exposing your toothbrush to those bacteria, again increasing your likelihood of illness," Bhalla added.
Things are only amplified if you're sharing your home with others, including siblings, partners, or even strangers so while you may be using your own toothbrush, other people's bacteria from the shower can be mixing with your own while you're brushing your teeth.
"Bacteria can build up on your toothbrush and potentially lead to oral health issues," Payal, continued.
Instead, she recommended keeping your toothbrush in a dry, clean place "away from potential sources of contamination, such as the toilet or sink."
And for those of you think that combining the tasks is saving you on your water bill, I'm sorry to burst your bubble.
"While brushing your teeth in the shower, you may end up using more water than necessary. For example, if you leave the water running while you brush your teeth, you may waste a significant amount of water…" the dental lead told the outlet. "A more effective way to save water while brushing your teeth is to turn off the faucet while you brush at the sink.
"This simple habit can save a significant amount of water over time, and it doesn’t require any additional usage from taking a shower," she added.
And just to add the cherry on top of the cake as to why you should avoid brushing your teeth in the shower if you can - residue from toothpaste can make surfaces slippery leading to a risk of falling.
Not what you want when you're naked, wet, and vulnerable, you know?
Instead, think of brushing your teeth as the main task and use it as an opportunity to do other things like some morning stretching, planning out an itinerary for your day, or even listening to a song or two so you know you're cleaning your teeth for the right amount of time.
