As a dentist, I advise against keeping your toothbrush near the toilet.

Experts suggest that it might be worth reconsidering the location of your toothbrush in the bathroom.

Dr. Ellie Phillips, an oral health educator from Austin, Texas, advised against keeping a toothbrush near a toilet, particularly in a small bathroom, due to the potential for bacteria transfer.

"She cautioned that the bacteria from the toilet can transfer to your toothbrush, and in a single use, your toothbrush can pick up all the bacteria in your mouth."

Phillips stated that you could use a new toothbrush to brush your teeth, cut off the end, and send it to the lab for a complete mouth profile.

According to Phillips, bacteria in a toothbrush with dense bristles can multiply and become anaerobic, making them more aggressive.

"Bathroom bacteria can interact with this and create a worse scenario," she said. "Therefore, you will share the bacteria of people in your close community."

Phillips warned that exposure to bacteria could increase the risk of developing dental diseases that could take a long time to develop.

If brushing your teeth in the kitchen sink is not an option, Phillips recommends keeping your toothbrush away from the toilet.

To eliminate bacteria, the expert recommended allowing a toothbrush to dry completely before cleaning it.

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She suggests using a toothbrush with "lots of bristles at different lengths" that can dry itself and clean the mouth effectively.

"Many toothbrushes are not effective because they're too soft and get infected easily. You don't need to spend $350 on a toothbrush," she said.

"Phillips emphasized the importance of taking care of one's oral health, stating that a healthy mouth with beneficial bacteria and biofilm acts as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria."