A joint research project by researchers from several British universities and institutes has attracted people’s attention to the toothbrush again.
Researchers have found that your toothbrush is home to more than 100 million bacteria. But there are hundreds of microorganisms in the mouths and your toothbrush probably won’t make you sick unless there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria. Our immune system can usually take care of bacterial invaders. However, if others use your toothbrush, or you use someone else’s, bacteria can be spread.
They have also found the toothbrush holders are the third-most dirty household items (behind dish sponges and kitchen sinks), thus advocating cleaning the toothbrush holder regularly.
The storage of your toothbrush in your bathroom is also important. Here are some storage tips from the researchers to keep your toothbrush as healthy as possible:
² Put your toothbrush as far away as possible from the toilet flushing.
² Let your toothbrush dry thoroughly between brushings.
² Don’t use toothbrush covers, which can create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
² Keep your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying down.
² Keep toothbrushes separate. If toothbrushes touch, they can exchange and spread bacteria.
There are products available that claim to sanitize (消毒) your toothbrush. While some of these products do kill some bacteria, there is no evidence that using them will reduce your risk of illness, according to the researchers.
They recommend replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or more often if you are sick or if you have a weakened immune system. Children’s toothbrushes may need to be replaced more often than adult brushes.
29. The text is especially helpful for those who care about __________.
A. their heath B. their house C. their money D. their diets
30. What are people advised to do in the text?
A. Have the toothbrush dry partly between brushings.
B. Keep the toothbrush lying down after the use.
C. Clean your toothbrush holder regularly.
D. Keep the toothbrush covered after the use.
31. What can we infer from the text?
A. Products of sanitizing the tooth brush are of no use at all.
B. Adults need to replace toothbrushes more often than children.
C. Sharing your toothbrush with others may be harmful to your health.
D. Your toothbrush will probably make you sick if there is a healthy balance of bacteria.
32. Which might be the best title for the text?
A. How to Use Your Toothbrush Properly?
B. How to Store Your Toothbrush Healthily?
C. How to Clean Your Toothbrush Correctly?
D. How to Replace Your Toothbrush Economically?