We’ve all heard the regular news bulletins about the legions of bacteria just waiting to assault our immune systems and leave us with unpleasant symptoms like respiratory or gastrointestinal distress. In recent years, we’ve learned that we have yet one more source of harmful bacteria to worry about: those on our toothbrushes. The Centers for Disease Control has weighed in with: “Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms.”
A number of toothbrush sanitizers have come on the market to address consumer concern. Perhaps the most stylish (design by Philippe Starck) is the VIOlight, which uses germicidal UV light toothbrushes to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria; it’s the same kind of technology found in hospitals and dentist offices. According to the manufacturer, the VIOlight has been proven to eliminate up to 99.9% of the germs with which it comes into contact. Operation is simple: place the toothbrush (or brushes) in the VIOlight, push a button and the sanitizing process begins. After ten minutes the sanitizer shuts off, keeping the brushes clean until the next use.
Time magazine named the VIOlight one of the coolest inventions of 2004; it also received a 2005 Gold Award from Business Week. The VIOlight sells for $49.95
There is also a travel version of the product which can fit easily into a briefcase, a cosmetic bag or a desk drawer. It holds a single toothbrush or electric toothbrush head and has a removable drip tray for easy cleaning. The brush is placed into the battery-powered unit, the lid is shut, and the sanitizing proceeds for seven minutes; the light goes off automatically. The travel VIOlight sells for $29.95. For more information or to order, visit: www.violight.com.
The Centers for Disease Control has weighed in with: “Even after being rinsed visibly clean, toothbrushes can remain contaminated with potentially pathogenic organisms.”
