If you're someone who tries to cut corners and save time in the morning by brushing your teeth while you're in the shower, you might want to rethink your routine - as it could be making you sick.
According to one dentist, brushing your teeth in the shower isn't necessarily bad for your teeth, but it can have a negative impact on your body in other ways, including exposing your mouth to bacteria it wouldn't normally be in contact with.
Dentist Payal Bhalla also said that while cross-contamination between brushing your teeth and washing your body in the same water source can be bad for your health, the process can also potentially damage your toothbrush thanks to the hot water used when you shower.
The expert, who is the lead dentist and clinical director of Quest Dental, said about cross-contamination: "Sharing the same water source for brushing your teeth and cleaning your body can lead to the transfer of germs from other parts of your body to your mouth. This could then compromise your immune system and lead to unwanted illness.
"The showerhead can harbour 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.
"If you share the shower with someone else, there is a risk of cross-contamination. Sharing a toothbrush or exposing your toothbrush to someone else's bacteria can lead to the spread of germs."
Payal also said that brushing your teeth in the shower can pose a risk of creating a slippery floor as water and excess toothpaste mix on your shower floor.
And on the topic of water temperature, she added: "Hot water in the shower can cause the bristles of your toothbrush to soften, which can make it less effective in cleaning your teeth.
"Furthermore, it is recommended by dental experts to use an electric toothbrush for a more thorough clean, and whilst most electric toothbrushes are waterproof, I wouldn't recommend submerging them in water as it could damage the mechanism and bristles."
The dentist even said that you might not be saving as much water as you think you are by doing the two activities at the same time, as you'll be leaving the shower running while you brush your teeth.
But if you brush your teeth at the sink and switch the tap off, you could actually save more water.
Payal explained: "Brushing your teeth in the shower may seem like a way to save water, but in reality, it may not be the most effective way to conserve water. 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.
"On the other hand, if you turn off the water while you brush your teeth in the shower, you may end up using less water than you would at the sink. However, you would still be using the same amount of water to take your shower, which could offset any water savings from brushing your teeth in the shower.
"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 water usage from taking a shower. Additionally, fixing any leaks in your home can also help reduce water waste."
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