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Posted on 1/10/2019 by Thomas Mahar |
 Many of us have struggled with strep throat at one time or another. It is a nasty illness that leaves you contagious for days. Since the germs can be so easily spread, what does that mean for your toothbrush? First, it is important to understand strep throat. Then you can better understand why using the same toothbrush could cause an issue. What is Strep Throat?Strep throat is a bacterial infection that attacks the throat causing you to have a lot of pain and inflammation in the affected areas. Strep throat is very infectious as it results from a group A Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria. It can affect children of all ages and adults as well. Strep throat can lead to other complications, like rheumatic fever, if left untreated.Symptoms of Strep ThroatThe symptoms of strep throat closely resemble that of a sore throat. These include; fever, swollen and painful tonsils, a sudden loss of appetite, having a hard time swallowing, streaks of pus in the tonsils, swollen neck nodes.In some few cases, some people do not experience any of these symptoms when they contract strep throat. As much as they might not feel ill, they still pose the risk of infecting others with the bacteria. The doctors can take a rapid strep test, throat culture, or a rapid antigen test to determine the cause of the infection. Treatment of Strep ThroatStrep throat can be cured using oral administration of antibiotics such as azithromycin, penicillin, cephalexin or amoxicillin. These are common treatments because they are affordable, safer and inhibit the development of the bacteria. The antibiotics are usually accompanied by pain and fever relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.So long as you take the time to sanitize your toothbrush, then you do not need to change your toothbrush after starting the antibiotics to counter your illness. Recent research shows that there is minimal chance of re-infection of the bacteria once you are cured. Visit us today for all your dental needs! |
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