An expert has warned people against leaving their toothbrushes in certain areas of the bathroom – for a gruesome reason. Keeping your brushes close to the toilet could see them “contaminated” with a whole host of nasty bacteria.

We are all aware of the importance of keeping our teeth clean. It is recommended that we brush our teeth at least twice a day to avoid issues like tooth decay and gum disease. Although this is a vital part of the daily routine, you could be unknowingly exposing yourself to unwanted bugs.

Brian Toward, bathroom expert and CEO of retailer Wholesale Domestic, explained that keeping your toothbrush close to the toilet is a “common” mistake many people make.

To avoid this he recommended keeping toothbrushes “at least” one metre away from the toilet. This is because they can become contaminated with toilet spray during flushing.

He said: “Your toothbrush goes straight into your mouth, so should be stored at least one metre away from the toilet and ideally with a cover, especially in shared bathrooms. If it’s left too close, it can become contaminated by toilet spray, which may carry bacteria like E. coli. This can lead to illnesses such as gut infections and urinary tract infections. 

“It’s also why you should always flush with the lid down.” E.coli is a bacteria found in the intestines of humans and other animals, some strains of which can cause severe food poisoning.

It can be passed through faeces, as well as contaminated water and food. An infection can lead to diarrhoea, stomach pains and vomiting.

Brian’s advice is backed by experts at Paradise Dental Associates. In an article about the dos and don’ts of toothbrush storage, they said: “Don’t store your toothbrush anywhere near the toilet. That’s because toilets are full of bacteria, and you don’t want those germs anywhere near your toothbrush. 

“In fact, it’s best to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible.

“If your bathroom is small and storage is limited, do put the toilet sit down before flushing and do put a cover on your toothbrush when it’s dry, between uses. Do disinfect your toothbrush regularly.”

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In his warning, Brian also reminded people to change their toothbrushes regularly. He added: “Dentists recommend changing your toothbrush every three months but many people go far longer. 

“Not only does an old toothbrush lose effectiveness, it also collects bacteria over time. If you’ve been ill, it’s even more important to switch out your toothbrush, otherwise you risk re-exposure to the illness even after you’ve recovered.”