Conventional wisdom holds that you should replace a toothbrush you used when you were sick, lest you face extending the illness or re-infecting yourself.

A story in Slate declares that line of thinking is bogus, despite warnings on toothbrush sellers’ sites that say otherwise.

Slate says after your body fights off a virus, it develops antibodies that make your odds of re-infection “very low.”

It’s a different story with bacteria, so if you get strep throat, it’s a good idea to buy a new brush. Also, it’s very possible to catch someone else’s cold if you use their toothbrush.

How often do you replace your toothbrush, and what’s the longest you’ve gone between brushes?

Can Your Toothbrush Make You Sick? [Slate via Lifehacker]

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.