I wouldn’t because it’s just gross. I’m not afraid of germs or anything, but people clean teeth with that.
I would use someone else’s if there was no alternative, but then I would be picky about whose toothbrush I was using.
No. Never.
Yup, sharing tooth brushes when convenient. Don’t see any problem with that.
In theory, I don’t have any problem with it – you usually rinse the toothbrush off afterwards and let it dry, no? That should knock out any germs the toothpaste doesn’t kill.
However, in practice I wouldn’t do it because so many other people are grossed out by the concept.
On “Survivor” they had a general toothbrush that everyone used with sand. I say GROSS ME OUT! I would have gone 6 weeks without brushing my teeth rather then use someone else’s toothbrush.
And even if the person was related to me I would NOT COULD NOT!
Mr. Armadillo and I only have one toothbrush that we both use. He threw his old one out a few months ago, intending to get a new one the next time we went to the drug store, and we just sort of never got around to getting a new one for him.
By the way, I really can’t understand the repulsion here–I mean, I could understand if you’re talking about a stranger or an acquaintence, but I just can’t see being more bothered by having his toothbrush in my mouth than his semen. Or whatever else. It’s not like we haven’t had plenty of chances to share cooties in other circumstances.
Hubby and I have shared toothbrushes on occasion. I wouldn’t go around using just anyone’s toothbrush; but he and I have done such entirely personal stuff and exchanged so many germs and bodily fluids in other ways, that I just can’t get that worked up over sharing a toothbrush.
Never. Ever. I get icked out when I see pun’s toothbrush even touching my toothbrush. I’d sooner use my finger and some toothpaste than his or anybody else’s toothbrush. No real rational reason, just a thing I have about toothbrushes.
I’ve done it before and I’d do it again I tell ya!
I did it and will probably do it again. But I never really thought about it…
it IS kinda gross.
Ick. No. Somehow, it just completely grosses me out.
I would have no problem in allowing a lover to borrow my toothbrush, or in borrowing hers if she gave permission. If your gargling each others bodily secretions, you already have got any germs you could have got from a toothbrush
It depends on how high the person stands on my internal hygiene meter. I’m not afraid of germs but I draw the line at actually seeing them do any damage. If I can’t see it, it must be clean enough to use without dying a miserable death. (worked so far, hooray!)
I have been lucky (or picky) with former SO’s and always found their teeth and brush to be in the same category of cleanliness as mine. The first time is the only time I think about the ‘consequences’ but after that first dip in strange waters it becomes a second nature for me. (Untill I bring my own brush for simultaneous brushing action).
With friends it depends on the actual need for brushing teeth. Will I get home within a few hours or do I have a meeting or date immediately after (a.i. emergency use only).
And people can always use my brushes!
[sub]But I will silently judge you when you leave and decide if it’s time to fire up the incinerator. :D[/sub]
I’ve done it a bunch of times. A quick tip is to just rub the toothbrush on a bar of soap before and after you use it. It feels squeaky clean after you do that and surely can’t have much Ick left on it.
Fretful Porpentine says,
In theory, I don’t have any problem with it – you usually rinse the toothbrush off afterwards and let it dry, no? That should knock out any germs the toothpaste doesn’t kill.
Fret, you’re OK to share germs if you’re with somebody whose history you know really well, but if some of you change SOs every few weeks or months, you need to know about the risk of hepatitis C transmission. The Hep C experts say don’t share toothbrushes or razors. Most people who have hep C don’t know they do. It’s communicable through injuries in the gums so small that a toothbrush can inflict them. Toothpaste will not touch it, Fret old boy.
Wouldn’t share mine with anyone I hadn’t lived with for more than 10 years… and on top of that, I want to see his liver function tests.
Umm, I’m an old girl not an old boy, but thanks for the information about Hep C. (I suppose I have a slightly fatalistic attitude toward all the scary diseases out there, though … I figure if you get sick in a particularly bizarre and improbable way, you were probably meant to get sick for some cosmic reason. And if you’re already swapping other bodily fluids, I doubt that the toothbrush will raise your risk much.)
Fret. Yeah. Sounds kinda feminine. My mistake.
Probably was thinking about Fhrett Butler.
Actually, though both carry some risk, you’re better off having sex with a Hep C carrier than sharing a razor. Dunno where a toothbrush fits into that.
I dunno about the fatalistic thing. I kinda have an evolutionary viewpoint: virus is trying to trick us into spreading its genes, we’re trying to trick virus into losing the game, escalating war ensues, if virus can piggyback on toothbrush it will; nothing to do with being “meant” to get sick. Lots of people don’t deserve to die in the ways they do. Although many others deserve what they get, running the risks they run. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention that many, many who oughta die just don’t get the message.
I suppose that’s another thread though. Sorry.
Of course I would use someone else’s toothbrush!to scrub the toilet
Although we’ve never intentionally done so, my wife and I have sometimes accidentally used each other’s toothbrush.
No biggee.