Health

Dr Sethi warns old toothbrushes, dull razors, and antimicrobial mouthwash may harm your health

Tuesday, 13 May 2025 12:06AM UTC

Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi highlights the hidden dangers lurking in commonly used bathroom items, urging regular replacement of toothbrushes and razors and caution over antimicrobial mouthwash use to protect overall wellbeing.

Recent advice from gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi has drawn attention to three common items in the bathroom that could be detrimental to health: old toothbrushes, dull razor blades, and antimicrobial mouthwashes. In a TikTok video, Dr. Sethi characterised these items as "toxic" and stressed their potential negative impact on wellbeing. His insights warrant further exploration, especially considering the implications for personal hygiene and overall health.

The first item on Dr. Sethi's list is the toothbrush. Alarmingly, he noted that approximately 75% of people fail to replace their toothbrushes within the recommended timeframe of every three to four months. Over time, the bristles can fray and lose up to 30% of their efficacy, leading to inadequate cleaning and the risk of bacterial buildup. A study by the British Dental Health Foundation highlights that failing to change toothbrushes regularly can lead to various oral health issues, including an increased risk of infections. To combat this, individuals are advised to replace their toothbrushes at regular intervals, and children may require more frequent changes due to their vigorous brushing habits.

Equally concerning are dull razor blades. Dr. Sethi warns that using a dull blade can cause ten times more skin irritation compared to a sharp one. Issues such as razor burn, increased ingrown hairs, and heightened risk of cuts and infections arise from the use of blunt blades. When cuts do occur, especially with an unclean blade, there is a significant risk of developing infections. Experts recommend changing razor blades after five to seven uses to ensure an optimal shaving experience and maintain skin integrity. Indeed, the use of rusty or outdated blades can lead to serious skin problems, such as irritation and even severe infections, underscoring the necessity for diligence in blade maintenance.

The third item of concern is antimicrobial mouthwash. While many gravitate towards these products under the impression they are promoting oral health, Dr. Sethi cautions that they may actually harm beneficial bacteria in the mouth, disrupting the gut microbiome. This disruption can have far-reaching effects on digestion and overall health. It’s crucial for consumers to weigh the benefits against potential risks when choosing mouthwash, considering that a balanced microbial environment is essential for a healthy gut.

In light of this advice, individuals may wish to evaluate their bathroom cabinets. Regularly assessing personal care items, especially those that can harbour bacteria or become ineffective over time, is vital for maintaining health. Quoting Dr. Sethi, "Being proactive can make a significant difference in your wellbeing.” Therefore, it is essential for consumers to heed these warnings and make informed decisions about the items they use daily.

In summary, the call to action from Dr. Sethi is clear: regular replacements of toothbrushes and razors, along with cautious use of antimicrobial mouthwash, can significantly enhance personal health. By adopting these practices, individuals not only ensure better hygiene but also contribute to their overall health in subtle yet impactful ways.

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More on this

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/2053826/brits-throw-away-three-bathroom-items - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/harvard-doctors-urgent-warning-throw-away-3-toxic-items-from-your-bathroom-asap/articleshow/118785224.cms - Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a Harvard-trained gastroenterologist, warns against three common bathroom items: toothbrushes, razors, and mouthwash. He highlights that 75% of people use their toothbrushes beyond the recommended three months, leading to a loss of up to 30% of cleaning efficiency and bacterial buildup. Dull razor blades cause ten times more skin irritation, and antimicrobial mouthwashes can harm beneficial oral bacteria, disrupting the gut microbiome balance. Dr. Sethi advises replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, razors after five to seven uses, and reconsidering the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/throw-away-these-toxic-items-from-your-bathroom-right-now-expert-suggests/articleshow/118636481.cms - Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi identifies three bathroom items to discard: toothbrushes, razors, and antimicrobial mouthwashes. He notes that 75% of individuals use their toothbrushes longer than the recommended three months, leading to a 30% decrease in cleaning power and bacterial accumulation. Dull razor blades can cause ten times more skin irritation, and antimicrobial mouthwashes may harm beneficial oral bacteria, affecting the gut microbiome. Dr. Sethi recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, razors after five to seven uses, and reconsidering the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes.
https://michelsendental.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-keep-using-an-old-toothbrush/ - Using an old toothbrush can lead to bacterial buildup, with the average brush harboring over a million bacteria particles. This reintroduces bacteria into the mouth, increasing the risk of infections. Additionally, mold can develop on toothbrushes, especially if stored in damp conditions. It's recommended to replace toothbrushes every three months to maintain oral health and prevent potential health issues.
https://dentistry.co.uk/2011/06/13/old-toothbrushes-are-a-severe-health-risk/ - Dr. Nigel Carter, CEO of the British Dental Health Foundation, emphasizes the importance of replacing toothbrushes every three months to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. Studies have shown that nearly two-thirds of the population fail to change their toothbrushes as recommended, leading to potential oral health problems. Regular replacement helps prevent re-infection and maintains effective oral hygiene.
https://theglossylocks.com/shave-with-a-rusty-razor/ - Shaving with a rusty razor blade can lead to serious skin issues, including irritation, ingrown hairs, and infections like staph and cellulitis. Rusty blades tug at the skin rather than cutting smoothly, causing damage and increasing the risk of infection. To maintain skin health, it's advisable to replace razor blades regularly and avoid using rusty or dull blades.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/throw-away-these-toxic-items-from-your-bathroom-right-now-expert-suggests/articleshow/118636481.cms - Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi identifies three bathroom items to discard: toothbrushes, razors, and antimicrobial mouthwashes. He notes that 75% of individuals use their toothbrushes longer than the recommended three months, leading to a 30% decrease in cleaning power and bacterial accumulation. Dull razor blades can cause ten times more skin irritation, and antimicrobial mouthwashes may harm beneficial oral bacteria, affecting the gut microbiome. Dr. Sethi recommends replacing toothbrushes every three to four months, razors after five to seven uses, and reconsidering the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The content references a TikTok video by Dr. Saurabh Sethi, indicating a recent social media origin for the insights, suggesting up-to-date advice. No indication the advice or roles mentioned are outdated or recycled from older press releases. The topic involves regularly updated personal hygiene recommendations which are perennial but with some new emerging concerns, such as effects on the gut microbiome from antimicrobial mouthwashes. No evidence found that the narrative is recycled from significantly older material.

Quotes check

Score: 7

Notes: Direct quotes attributed to Dr. Sethi, such as 'Being proactive can make a significant difference in your wellbeing,' were checked. The earliest known source appears to be the TikTok video referenced, likely original since no prior uses were found online. This suggests the quotes are current and original rather than repeated from older sources.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from the Express website, a well-known UK tabloid that provides general news and lifestyle content but is less authoritative than established health journals or major broadcasters. While it often relays expert advice, the source's reputation for rigorous editorial fact-checking is moderate. The medical expert quoted, Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, lends credibility, but reliance on social media (TikTok) as a distribution medium requires cautious interpretation.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The health claims are plausible and consistent with established medical understanding: replacing toothbrushes regularly to avoid bacterial buildup, avoiding dull razor blades to reduce skin irritation and infection risk, and the emerging scientific discussion about antimicrobial mouthwashes affecting oral and gut microbiomes. There is no conflicting evidence found, though the microbiome impact is a developing research area. Lack of direct citations for some claims does not undermine plausibility substantially.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative delivers timely and plausible health advice attributed to a credible medical professional via a current social media platform. The quotes appear original and the recommendations align with accepted hygiene practices and emerging health research. Although the publication is a tabloid with moderate editorial rigour, the medical expertise cited and consistency of claims support a high-confidence pass of factual accuracy and freshness.

health
personal hygiene
oral care
skincare
Dr Saurabh Sethi