Oral microbiota is a hot research topic and within the next five years we will hopefully have a better understanding of the role these bacteria play in the lung microbiome. Although it is hard to believe, we have over 700 different types of bacteria in our mouths! Some are good, some not so good and some we aren’t sure of.

For those of us who have dealt with NTM infections like MAC, the good news is NTM are generally not found in the oral cavity. However, when we cough and secretions enter our mouth, they could end up on our toothbrush.

I rotate through a half dozen toothbrushes and on a daily basis I dab my brush with dish soap and scrub it. I have a Bril UV device I found on Amazon and pop my toothbrush into it after each use, then let it air dry. It’s great for traveling. When I’m home, I put my toothbrushes in my Bololo baby bottle sterilizer with my airway clearance devices.

As Sue suggested, I do not put my toothbrush in the family cup. Furthermore, I put it in a cabinet away from the toilet. Research shows pseudomonas that was cultured from the toilet was also found on nearby toothbrushes!!

I like this approach to toothbrush care because it’s easy to maintain. And, as others have said, we take precautions with our airway clearance devices and it makes sense to take similar precautions with our toothbrushes.

Warm regards,
Linda Esposito