Toothbrushes should be clean. After all, their whole purpose is to scrub all the germs out of your mouth. But as it turns out, dirty toothbrushes could make you sick.

“Bathrooms are moist and steamy: the conditions that bacteria love,” says Carol Wooden, a dental surgeon and spokeswoman for the Academy of General Dentistry. Research from the University of Birmingham School of Dentistry in the U.K. found as many as 1.2 million bacteria on a single toothbrush, and a study in the New York State Dental Journal that examined used toothbrushes discovered that 70 percent were heavily contaminated with different microorganisms.

The Filthy 5
These are five of the nastiest germs scientists have found hanging out on toothbrushes:

1.    Flu: Influenza causes fever, chills, coughing and achiness.

2.    Staph: Staphylococcus aureus is responsible for common skin infections (such as boils and styes) and can be more problematic if it enters your bloodstream.

3.    E. coli: Certain strains of these fecal bacteria can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

4.    Yeast: Candida albicans, the fungus that causes yeast infections, was found on 70 percent of toothbrushes examined in a recent study from the University of Adelaide in Australia.

5.    Strep: Some kinds of streptococci bacteria lead to tooth decay; others (you guessed it) cause strep throat.

Healthy Toothbrush Tips
Fortunately, you probably don’t need to toss your toothbrush just yet. Even though certain germs have been identified on toothbrushes, that doesn’t mean you’ll catch something simply from polishing your pearly whites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“As long as you practice proper hygiene habits, it’s unlikely that bacteria on your toothbrush will make you sick,” says Dr. Neil Schachter, medical director of the respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu. Follow these four rules to stay healthy:

• Swap your brush. Replace your toothbrush (or the changeable head if you use an electric one) every three months, whenever you have a cold or the flu, or when the bristles look worn, suggests Wooden.
• Flush carefully. Microorganisms go airborne when you flush the toilet, and they can land on your toothbrush. Keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible and always close the lid before flushing.
• Keep it to yourself. “Sharing toothbrushes can spread bacteria and viruses,” says Schachter. Even storing your toothbrush too close to someone else’s is unwise because bacteria can jump from one brush to another.
• Wash away germs. Since bacteria from your mouth are transferred to your toothbrush every time you brush, you should always rinse your brush thoroughly afterward. “My main health concern is that small amounts of food can remain in the bristles, and if they’re not removed, they can spoil and cause gastrointestinal problems,” says Schachter. “It’s best to rinse your toothbrush in hot water after each use.” Want something stronger than water? Try dunking your brush in hydrogen peroxide or mouthwash, rinsing it with water and letting it air-dry, says Wooden.

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Photo: Corbis Images

You’ve heard it before: The best offense is good defense.

During cold and flu season, nutrition plays a major role in how well your immune system can fight off sniffles and coughs. The better you eat, the stronger your immune power. On the other hand, the more nutrient deficiencies you have, the more vulnerable you are to getting sick.

To keep your immune system working at its best, increase your intake of these foods during cold and flu season. You’ll be glad you did. 

1. Mangoes

Mangoes include a broad spectrum of antioxidants, including vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin A enhances immunity by revving up the function of white blood cells, which fight infection. Zinc is one of the most important nutrients for maintaining an overall healthy immune system.

How to get it: Whip up some mango salsa or a mango smoothie, or top yogurt with fresh mango slices. Strive to consume about 1 cup a day for the best benefit.

2. Garlic

Sometimes referred to as the “poor man’s antibiotic,” garlic has been eaten for centuries for its broad spectrum of therapeutic benefits. It is believed to stimulate the immune system by increasing the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Even more, two compounds found in garlic, inulin and allicin, are thought to be responsible for effectively killing bacteria as well as intestinal parasites.

How to get it: Add fresh garlic to sauces and dressings. Try to eat at least a clove every day during flu season.

3. Mushrooms

Chinese medicine and Eastern cultures have relied on mushrooms for their health benefits and immune-boosting properties for centuries. Beta-glucans, a type of sugar found in both raw and cooked mushrooms, is believed to be responsible for the immune-stimulating properties.

In addition, mushrooms are the only vegetable that naturally contains vitamin D, and decreased blood levels of vitamin D have been correlated with an increased risk of catching the influenza virus.

How to get it: Add mushrooms to salads, sauces and omelets. Eat about 1 cup of white button, crimini, shitake, maitake, reishi or portobello mushrooms every day.

4. Salmon

During the winter months when the air is dry, mucous membranes dry out and crack, providing the perfect opportunity for viruses and other nasty bugs to enter the body. Eating more fish that are rich in omega-3 fats can help maintain healthy cell membranes. Salmon (and other seafood) is also a source of selenium, which has been shown to reduce the severity of a virus once a person is exposed.

How to get it: Broil a salmon fillet or salmon steak and serve with fresh mango salsa. Eat salmon twice a week.

5. Green Tea

Drinking plenty of fluids during flu season is especially important for hydration as it helps the body maintain a strong defense against bad bugs. Green tea also contains epigallocatechin gallate, which has been shown to stop the common cold from spreading.

How to get it: Drink 2 to 3 cups of green tea each day to get immune-boosting benefits and stay hydrated.

6. Yogurt

Aside from being an excellent source of calcium, dairy products like yogurt provide immune-boosting vitamin D and probiotics (also referred to as “live active cultures”). Vitamin D’s production of antimicrobial substances is believed to stop viruses from spreading in the body. Probiotics found in yogurt can help the body fight infections and boost immunity by fortifying the healthy bacteria found in the digestive tract.

How to get it: Yogurt parfaits are the perfect breakfast or dessert. Make tangy salad dressings with plain yogurt or add to smoothies for an extra nutritional boost. Consume two servings of yogurt daily.

7. Almonds

Almonds contain vitamin E, which may help prevent colds and ward off upper respiratory infections. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that works in combination with other nutrients found in almonds, including selenium and magnesium.

How to get it: Make your own granola with toasted almonds, rolled oats and cinnamon. Or use almond butter instead of peanut butter. Eat about 22 almonds (or its equivalent) a day.

8. Spinach

Spinach is a nutrition powerhouse offering several key nutrients that help to boost immune function and health. It is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin K, magnesium, folate, iron, vitamin B-2, calcium, potassium, vitamin B-6, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids. With all these vitamins in one food, it’s no wonder everyone should be consuming more of this leafy green.

How to get it: Sauté spinach with garlic and onions. Or make a spinach salad with pomegranate dressing, topped with toasted almonds. Try to have about 2 cups a day.

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When you or your child wakes up coughing or complaining of an earache, it can be tough to know what to do. And many common ailments -- from asthma to croup -- worsen in the wee hours.

Lying down plays a role in most colds and sinus symptoms “because it causes secretions to drain into the throat and may obstruct drainage happening during the day,” says Dr. Michael Steiner, pediatrician and director of the Child & Adolescent General Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Plus, any pain, discomfort or fever will seem worse when children and parents are tired.”

Children may also feel more sick at night because they’re less distracted by activities, adds Dr. Mobeen H. Rathore, chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville.

Learn how to help feel better when you or your child is sick at night, no matter the ailment. Just remember, says Rathore: Call the doctor whenever you’re unsure or concerned, day or night.

EARACHES

This common childhood pain is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the ear (sometimes due to a nasty cold or allergies). Fluid builds up behind the eardrum, and lying down adds pressure to spots that are already sore and inflamed.

Treatment: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, approximately 80 percent of children with middle ear infections recover without antibiotics. Shocking, since about 50 percent of antibiotics for American preschoolers are prescribed for ear infections! If the pain isn’t severe, help your child feel more comfortable with a pain reliever such as acetaminophen, says Rathore. (Don’t use aspirin, which has been associated with a rare but potentially deadly condition called Reye’s syndrome.) A warm compress may also help.

When to call the doc: If symptoms get worse or don’t improve within 24 to 48 hours, you should consider calling your pediatrician. Chronic ear infections can cause hearing problems, so it’s important to monitor symptoms. Red-flag symptoms include severe ear pain and discharge from the ear.

STUFFY NOSE OR SORE THROAT

Symptoms from the common cold tend to flare up at night. “When you lie down, the airways are more likely to become clogged with mucus,” says Dr. Neil Schachter, author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds & Flu and the medical director of the respiratory care department at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.

Treatment:  While there is no cure for the common cold, moms can employ a few simple, reliable tactics to help kids feel better. In addition to age-appropriate OTC remedies, a humidifier or steam from a hot shower may also ease congestion so your child can breathe easier. Rathore suggests using acetaminophen to relieve sore throat. Schachter also suggests gargling with salt water before bed “to remove virus-laden mucus from the throat, which relieves both sore throat and coughing.”

When to call the doc: Routine colds don’t require a doctor’s care, but watch out for any other unusual symptoms, including a high fever, distressed breathing, or a sore throat that’s severe or lasts longer than a week.

CROUP

Most common in children 5 or under, croup causes swelling in the trachea and larynx. It’s usually caused by a virus and characterized by a loud, barking cough. “Croup symptoms seem to worsen at night, possibly because the upper airway naturally relaxes during sleep, so it narrows,” says Steiner. “It’s also possible that using a heater at night dries out the air and makes symptoms worse.”

Treatment: Although mist treatment was long thought to manage croup, a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that high humidity didn’t seem to help moderate to severe cases. Still, for mild bouts, a warm, steamy bathroom may soothe symptoms. A dose of children’s ibuprofen or acetaminophen can bring down swelling of the airways. More severe cases may require a prescription drug to open airways.

When to call the doc: If your child makes noisy and high-pitched sounds when inhaling, struggles to breathe, develops blue or grayish skin, or has a fever of 103.5 F or higher, it’s time to see the doctor. Also get in touch if symptoms last longer than a week or are reoccurring.

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