toothbrush question - Hepatitis Message Board

ThePrep95 · 07-10-2003, 01:15 PM

Hi... i recently went on a trip with a friend and his mom. His mom has hep b and c, and i accidently used her toothbrush once. What are the chances I may have contracted hep? She says she wasnt bleeding, but sometimes my gums bleed when i brush my teeth. Thanks.

Jemah · 07-10-2003, 04:27 PM

I'd say slim to none but you may want to get tested in about 6 weeks. You can always donate blood and they test your blood for free.

The virus can live on the toothbrush even if her gums weren't bleeding the last time she used it. Your bleeding can give entry into the body but its not that easy to catch HCV so I wouldn't work myself up over it. Just get tested.

Good luck!
Jeannie

cjari · 07-11-2003, 05:04 PM

Since the subject of the toothbrush came up. I would like to know what anybody thoughts that you should get a new tooth brush very often as if you have Hep C, you could be re-infecting yourself thru the bleeding of gums. This is just something I read on another site, but the suggestion came from a dr. What do you all think?? cjari

dianasaska · 07-12-2003, 03:23 PM

While on treatment, it is probably a good idea to change out your toothbrush every month or more often, as you wish. Who knows? It doesn't cost a lot to do.

Might also want to do the same with your razors, nail clippers. How about earrings (that might be pushing it, unless your piercings bleed)? Other things that come in contact with your mouth (musical instruments such as harmonica, jaw harp, flute mouth pieces)?

I figure that if there is some concern that hep can be transmitted by a toothbrush to someone else, then why not back to yourself while on treatment? Chance might be slim, but it is still the same kind of chance as transmitting to someone else, isn't it?

Now if you aren't on treatment, I don't think reinfecting yourself with contagious material from your own blood is an issue. You've got what you are exposing yourself to.

Diana