Why the Bathroom is the Common Toothbrushing Spot and Other Facts

Why Do We Brush Our Teeth in the Bathroom?

Have you ever wondered why we brush our teeth in the bathroom toothbrush? After all, the bathroom is where we also defecate, which may seem like an unsanitary location for brushing. However, this practice has a long-standing tradition that goes back to when houses were built and how plumbing was designed.

Historical Context of Bathroom Layouts

When a house is constructed, it's the builder who dictates the layout of the rooms, including the bathroom. In many American homes, the bathroom is where the toilet is located, which is common. But is it the healthiest choice to brush our teeth in the same room where we defecate? Here’s what you need to know.

The bathroom is a multi-purpose space in most American homes. It typically includes a toilet, a sink, a mirror, and a bathtub/shower. Most people don’t give the proximity of their toothbrush to the toilet a second thought because, in most cases, the toilet is being used by someone else, and it's assumed to be clean and free of offensive odors.

Braving the Bathroom

But if you're uncomfortable brushing your teeth in the same room as the toilet, there are certainly alternatives. You can brush your teeth over the kitchen sink, in the living room, or even outside if you prefer. Your toothbrush is portable, and so are you.

Understanding the Layout

The layout of bathrooms with a shared toilet and sink is not limited to a single style. In the 1980s, an apartment I shared with my girlfriend had a unique "European Style Bathroom," which featured three rooms: a powder room, a bathtub/shower, and another powder room. Each had two doors, which perhaps added to the inconvenience of having to leave the bathroom to use the toilet. Despite the layout, the toilet and sink were still in the same room, presenting a potential germ hazard.

Toilet and Plumbing

So why is the toilet and sink typically in the same room? It has to do with cost and plumbing design. Putting all the plumbing together at one location helps with both overall design and cost efficiency. Getting an estimate for installing a "wet bar" versus a "dry bar" will give you a sense of how much of a difference this can make.

Additionally, the toilet's waste pipes are often extra large, which means they cut through a lot of lumber, weakening the structural support of the bathroom. This can result in the need for additional shoring. By keeping all the plumbing in one place, it simplifies the construction process and reduces the need for extra shoring.

Other Basement Facts

Interestingly, there are other specialty rooms in homes that are carefully designed for specific functions. One example is a basement in the front of a house, designed to serve as a safe haven during a fire or other emergency. This room is usually located as far as possible from the main fire escape stairwell to minimize the risk of being engulfed in flames.

Conclusion

While the bathroom might not be the most ideal spot to brush your teeth, it's a practical choice due to plumbing design and convenience. However, if you prefer to brush your teeth elsewhere, go for it. Your toothbrush is mobile, and you don’t have to adhere to strict rules. Remember, the location of your toilet and sink is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to designing a functional and efficient home.

References:

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