Brits have been urged to rid three common items from their bathrooms as they could be hindering their health. According to gastroenterologist, Dr Saurabh Sethi, there are three things people should bin as they simply don’t benefit us. He explained all in a recent Instagram video where he described the items as “toxic”. Dr Sethi said it’s important to disregard the items if you want to make a difference to your wellbeing, and there are a few reasons why.

Toothbrushes older than three months

The doctor said up to 75% of people use their toothbrushes for longer than the recommended time of three months but, generally, you should change it every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, or you’ve been sick, you should also change it sooner.

When bristles become less effective, they don’t clean your teeth as well, which means there’s a risk of bacteria building up. If you can see the bristles are bent, frayed or otherwise damaged, then it’s probably time to get a new one.

Due to the fact that children can brush more rigorously than adults, their brushes may need to be replaced more often. You may not realise it but, if your brush has been hanging around for a while, you need to bin it and get a new one.

Dull razor blades

Something else you may find in your bathroom are dull razor blades. The doctor said they need to go immediately as they cause “10 times more” skin irritation.

If you use a dull razor blade to shave, it can lead to various negative outcomes. For example, it can result in increased skin irritation, razor burn, ingrown hairs and a higher risk of cuts and infections.

When blades are dull, they don’t shave as efficiently, and this results in more tugging and pulling on the skin. This can damage the skin and lead to other problems.

You may not realise it, but even having a small cut or nick can lead to infection, especially if the razor blade is old or dirty. This is why it’s so important to change them regularly.

Antimicrobial mouthwash

According to the doctor, you shouldn’t use this product. He said: “Studies show that antimicrobial mouthwash can harm beneficial bacteria in your mouth, which can effect the balance of your gut microbiome.”

While the mouthwash can offer various oral health benefits, such as reducing bacteria in the mouth and helping to prevent certain conditions, Dr Sethi doesn’t recommend using it. In his opinion, it’s best avoided.

This is because antimicrobial mouthwashes, especially those containing chlorhexidine or alcohol, can have a significant impact on gut microbiome. These types of mouthwashes disrupt the oral microbiome, which can impact the flow of essential nutrients.

Studies have uncovered that using chlorhexidine mouthwash has the potential to reduce nutrient absorption in the gut, which could lead to nutrient deficiencies. While some studies suggest there are risks, more research is still needed into the area.

If you use the mouthwash, or have been advised to, speak to your dentist if you have any concerns. They’ll be able to best advise you what to do going forward.