The myth about toothbrushes

[hepcandme]

I can find no reputable data that indicates that one change their toothbrush often during treatment for Hep C

It made no sense to me, scientifically speaking, that one could reinfect oneself through a toothbrush (unless your gums are bleeding) and my medical team said to change it as often as I usually do which is every 2 months. They have always been a bit incredulous that people are doing this and/or believing that would somehow improve one's chances of achieving SVR. I asked 5 different doctors and health care professionals and they all said the same thing

I called Gilead to ask them and they said they had no recommendations one way or the other - they basically won't say anything except what is already included in the patient information. Serious, probably for liability reasons, they would express No opinions at all on anything and, I can read the insert by myself thank you

Other people should not use a toothbrush that is being used by someone with Hep C but, even then, it's kind of a long shot to become infected that way: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/543531

Still, if someone has some data to share or some scientific basis for thinking it's a good idea, would love to hear it and I will pass it along to the doctors as well

Otherwise, I'm sticking with my usual oral hygiene routine, flossing lots and trying to keep gums healthy while mouth is parched

[hepcandme]

The reason I don't want to buy a bazillion toothbrushes is that I hate that so much plastic is going into landfills

that's it

there is this one company that makes recycled toothbrushes - I don't think I am allowed to give you their name because of the censors here - but you could google it

I send my ultra soft, recycled toothbrushes to them to make into new toothbrushes every 6 months or so - they pay for the postage

I know the medical profession revels in plastic for sterility reasons but the treehugger in me just says no

If you have ever read Carl Safina's book Eye of the Albatross, there is a description of an Albatross mom regurgitating a toothbrush into her young chick's throat. It's hard for her to get out and harder for the chick to swallow. Sadly. many of these magnificent birds die of malnutrition because their stomachs are filled with plastic

Plus, even though I am an old lady, I am lucky that my gums don't bleed

Good luck to everyone who is starting treatment and whatever works for ya!

[Mmorgan856]

Hi everyone..yep, guilty as charged,  dollar tree had 4 toothbrushes for a buck, so I thought "why not?" I changed mine most every night during treatment, an I knew it was probably overkill, but made me feel like I was covering all bases.  I know, a little OCD , but as I tossed the brush away, would think of Jack Nicholson in " As Good As It Gets " an think how nutty I had become in my old age. Take care.  Mary

[Sarah1949]

I don't think the CDC's website is up-to-date or perhaps they just don't agree with the latest academic studies. Or perhaps they have a political agenda and don't want to stir the pot. Read the Yale study that was done just this last January. Again, here is the link:

http://publichealth.yale.edu/news/archive/article.aspx?id=6417

If a government site gives you more confidence in the validity of what's being stated, try this one --

http://blog.aids.gov/2014/01/scientists-discover-hepatitis-c-virus-can-remain-infectious-outside-of-the-body-for-up-to-6-weeks.html

btw, the Yale study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
(a government agency)

[HealingHearts]

FYI - Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC.org), the hep c virus can only survive up to 4 days on inanimate objects. Not six weeks.

[susan400]

The reason for it is because the nurses on the Gilead Support Path have told many of us (myself included), to change our toothbrushes every 2 wks during treatment with the Sovaldi treatments, or the Harvoni.  For 2 reasons actually:  The treatments changed the chemistry of the mouth, saliva,etc., and you have to be extra rigid on oral hygiene in oral to keep from getting more decay and dental problems during and after treatment. Second reason is because it is actually possible as you are trying to get to the end point of SVR.., if there are any remaining copies lurking of the virus 'lurking' that have not yet been wiped out by the treatment.., that you could reinfect yourself.  Many of us have had instances of bleeding in our gums and if you keep the same toothbrush, like say at the beginning of your treatment, and then, you start the meds and on week 3, your gums bleed and then, you get it on your toothbrush, or like if your clipping your fingernails and your cuticles bleed and your fingernail clippers get 'infected', when if your body had already reached undetected on week 3 and then, you reinfect yourself on week 3 + 2 days?  Then, your body has extra virus to have to try and attack again, but this time it recognizes the virus and then, it's resistant.  I, frankly would trust the drug companies recommendations on this, over the doctors.  The drug companies have dealt with the resistance issues as the trials were being conducted in the various stages.  The doctors are just now getting on board with these new drugs.  Besides, isn't it better to be safe than sorry?  I changed my brushes every 2 wks all the way through my 12 wk treatment.  I sterilized my finger nail clippers.  Did not reuse razors, only used disposables for 1 time use.  Sterilized my tweezers.  With this being treatment #11, I was sick and tired of having to do treatments and wanted this one to work and I was ready to do whatever it takes.  But, basically, what it boils down to is individual choice.  Susan400

[can-do-man]

Not sure where anyone is trying to convince anyone either way. But as my Doctor told me one does not know when they become Und. So what good does it do if you wait every couple of weeks. You just might be using the same toothbrush you were using while you were still infected. I would suggest if someone is really concerned about it they change after every use.

[Sarah1949]

It's like my doctor just told me, why not take every precaution possible because if on the slim chance you don't reach svr, you don't want to be looking back and wondering if changing something as simple as a toothbrush would have made a difference. So, for peace of mind if nothing else it is a good practice. But if you aren't concerned about it, don't do it. But, why try to convince others it is a silly practice, particularly when it is probably a good practice to change your toothbrush every couple of weeks regardless.

[Pamelajean1]

I agree...I wouldn't stress over it. It's not a huge risk but at this point what's the point in taking a chance....

"Chronic hepatitis C patients are advised not to share toothbrushes, razors, nail-scissors or other personal articles that potentially may have been in contact with blood, with others. This study examines the contamination of toothbrushes in patients with chronic hepatitis C as a model for a possible unconventional way of transmission. In 30 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 2 mL of saliva (before and after toothbrushing) and the toothbrush rinsing water after toothbrushing were tested for HCV-RNA. Saliva before and after toothbrushing was positive for HCV-RNA in nine (30%) and 11 patients (36.7%), respectively. Twelve of the toothbrush rinsing water specimens (40%) tested HCV-RNA-positive. In six of these 12 patients, the 'native' saliva had been negative for HCV-RNA. Patients with HCV-RNA-positive toothbrush rinsing water showed no significant differences from those with negative rinsing water with respect to certain clinical, biochemical and virological parameters. In conclusion, our study demonstrates a contamination with HCV-RNA of a considerable portion of toothbrushes used by hepatitis C patients, suggesting at least a theoretical risk of infection by sharing these objects and strengthening the recommendations to take care of a clear separation of these personal care objects between patients and their household members."

[tanya24]

Yes, it is true, chances of contracting Hep C from a toothbrush are very slim. When my daughter was a little girl, she had accidentally used my toothbrush right after my brushing, and I rushed her straight to the doctor in tears. The doctor reassured not to worry, that he was sure she'd be fine. He explained that there would have to be blood left on the toothbrush, and she would have to have an open cut in her mouth. (My daughter tested negative throughout year and was fine.) That being said, I am ready to get rid of this disease! If there is "any slim chance" at all, I would rather just take every possible precaution. Changing toothbrushes and razors daily, is not that big a deal to me.  Knowing I am doing everything I can, does make "me" feel better. So, as you said, "if it makes people feel good, then so be it," is a great way to look at it!

[Shdwsldy]

My husband had asked the same question too.  It would seem unlikely to re-infect yourself through a tooth brush.  However, from a dental stand point, its wise to be using a clean soft toothbrush during treatment and change it frequently.  Treatment is harsh on your teeth and gums with all those chemicals.  The better you take care of your teeth, the less dental work you may potentially have.

[bassetgirl]

While on treatment (S/O 12 weeks:  reached SVR Oct. 23) I did change my toothbrush frequently- my reasoning was that due to cirrhosis and low platelets my gums sometimes bled profusely when I brushed my teeth.  It seemed possible to me that the virus would survive on the toothbrush and be re-introduced through the bleeding gums. I wanted the best chance for SVR, and the low cost of replacing toothbrushes (4 for $4 at KMART) seemed worth it.
I also got rid of sewing needles and anything that I thought might have been exposed to my blood while I had HepC.  
So this was just my decision based on what seemed  to be a low cost precaution that for me seemed to have some basis in logic; you're right that doctors and the drug company are not recommending the practice.
Good luck with your treatment!

[keepingOnkeepingOn]

I'm with you on this. I changed it every Sunday to make sure. My gums bled while on tx and from brushing. I wasn't going to take any chances.

[Sarah1949]

It makes me feel good to change to a new toothbrush every two weeks, I'm no scientist but it just seems to me that if you get blood on your toothbrush that the virus can remain there in that warm moist environment for up to six weeks (the amount of time the virus can live on a surface). My gums bleed all the time and I think it is commonplace for those of us who are older and have cirrhosis and low platelets. If you're young and healthy and still have healthy gums it would seem kind of crazy I suppose.

I'm sure science rules supreme over my common sense but I seriously doubt that anyone has studied the subject to any extent.

http://publichealth.yale.edu/news/archive/article.aspx?id=6417

[hepcandme]

Thanks

"if it makes people feel good then so be it"

I will just think of it that way from now on and not stress about it. Have enough to think about

Thanks for the the luck too. I'll take that!!

[can-do-man]

The reason you have not found anything is because there is none. In all the years and all the recommendations I have never seen it nor have I read any Hep C researcher suggest it. But if it makes people feel good then so be it... Good luck

BTW I brought this up to my Hepatoologist a couple of times and he said no need to worry, besides no one ever knows just when they do become UND.