Toothbrush Risks

Here's a taste of what TheBody.com has to offer on this topic:

Ask the Experts

Toothbrush accidentally shared

Dear Dr. Barbara,Three months ago, I accidentally used my sister-in-law's toothbrush. She doesn't belong to any risk group (as far as I know) but has very severe gingivitis. I could not see blood but the toothbrush was still wet and this...

Response from Barbara McGovern, M.D.

Tufts University School of Medicine

The chance of getting an infection from her toothbrush is very very low. Plus you do not think of her at risk..Therefore I would not get tested.... Read more »

Hiv spread through toothbrush?

I just recently used a toothbrush that wasn't mine. I thought it was before because it look... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Toothbrush spunk follow-up question-Will donate

I am close to my 3 month testing mark and even though you calmed my fears by saying my risk is... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Prevalence of Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus in HIV-Infected and HIV/Hepatitis C Virus-Coinfected Patients

In the current study, a sample of HIV patients completed a questionnaire identifying their demographic characteristics and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV). A chart review was conducted to confirm the information obtained in the survey. Risk... Read more »

Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange

Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C: Are HIV-Positive Gay and Bisexual Men at Risk?

Table of Contents Introduction What Is Hepatitis C? How Does Someone Get Hepatitis C? How Many People Have Hepatitis C in Canada? What Is the Evidence That HCV Can Be Transmitted Sexually? How Might HIV-Positive MSM Be Getting HCV? Is HCV... Read more »

Understanding Recent Increases in the Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men Having Sex With Men: Changes in Risk Behavior From Risk Avoidance to Risk Reduction

The authors of the current study sought to explore risk behavior and transmission routes in men having sex with men (MSM) newly diagnosed with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Physicians participating in the sentinel study completed a... Read more »

AIDS Programs Fail to Reach High-Risk Groups: UN

Those most at risk of acquiring HIV worldwide -- high-risk drug users, homosexuals and sex workers -- are often the least likely to be targeted by national surveillance, prevention and treatment programs, the World Health Organization said today.... Read more »

Connect With Others

Sharing toothbrushes

Posted by StupidMe, 1 Reply

Hi all,
I keep reading inconsistent information regarding the risks associated with sharing toothbrushes. So I was wandering what the real risk is. Is it zero, theoretical, negligible, low...etc?
I'm asking because I had a hiv risk 3 years ago. I... Read more »

Transmission by Toothbrush

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

I just found out that a neighbor of mine is HIV+. My son recently stayed at their house overnight with their kids. He didn't have a toothbrush, and said he used one of theirs.

Is there any evidence of transmission this way. Would toothpaste kill... Read more »

risk assesment please?

Posted by pixie, 2 Replies

Hi there from South Africa,
I just have a few queries about HIV and I ask if you can assess my risks?
1. I went to a club recently and cut my leg on a very prominent step. I only noticed the next morning. I am worried that someone else could have cut... Read more »

Low Risk/High Risk

Posted by Anonymous, 1 Reply

What does Low Risk/High Risk mean? I mean, how many low risk people turn positive? Obviously, high risk people have a better chance of testing positive, but does low risk mean that the risk is virtually none? Thanx.

Read more »

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