A new research has showed that a majority if toothbrushes kept in communal bathrooms are contaminated with fecal matter. A team of researchers has said that it’s already known that transmission of fecal coilforms is common in communal bathrooms.

“The main concern is not with the presence of your own fecal matter on your toothbrush, but rather when a toothbrush is contaminated with fecal matter from someone else, which contains bacteria, viruses or parasites that are not part of your normal flora”, said Lauren Aber, a graduate student at Quinnipiac University.

For the study, the researchers collected toothbrushes from bathrooms used by an average of 9.4 students at the Quinnipiac University. The results showed at least 60% of the toothbrushes were contaminated with fecal bacteria. The researchers said that odds for fecal matter to be present on the toothbrushes from another person using the bathroom were 80%.

The study results were discussed at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in New Orleans. Aber said that a toothbrush cover is not enough to protect a toothbrush from bacterial growth. Instead, it gives rise to conducive conditions for bacterial growth by keeping the bristles moist and not allowing the head of the toothbrush to dry out between uses.

Aber suggested the people who share bathrooms should follow better hygiene practices. They should be careful about the storage of their toothbrush and must focus on their personal hygiene.

The American Dental Association recommendations should be followed by people for toothbrush hygiene.