My boyfriend keeps using my toothbrush

Ugh, I'm still reeling from this toothbrush dilemma, and honestly, it's more than just annoying – it's a real hygiene concern! The photo of his worn-out, splayed bristles versus my fresh ones pretty much sums up the situation. It makes me wonder, am I overreacting, or is this a genuine health risk? I’ve tried to be subtle, I’ve directly told him, and even bought fresh new brushes, but my toothbrush still ends up moved, and his still looks like it’s been through a war zone. I've been thinking about why someone, especially a partner, might neglect their oral hygiene to this extent, or why they'd think it's okay to just grab my brush. Is it forgetfulness, pure laziness, or maybe they genuinely don't understand the risks? It's baffling because not brushing regularly, or having a brush that looks like it's seen better days, can lead to serious issues beyond just bad breath. We're talking about cavities, gum disease, and even systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease or pneumonia, as the bacteria from the mouth can travel. It really freaked me out when I learned about those connections, especially when it's about someone you share a life with! It feels like a fundamental part of personal care that he’s just… skipping. And then there's the sharing aspect. I know some couples might share an electric toothbrush handle (though even that has me questioning hygiene!), but my situation is worse – he's using my actual brush head! Research shows that toothbrushes can harbor all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When you share, you're essentially swapping all those germs, including Strep, E. coli, and even herpes viruses. Imagine getting sick or developing a serious infection because of something as basic as a toothbrush! It just feels so unhygienic and frankly, a bit disrespectful of personal space and health boundaries. I understand accidents happen, but this feels intentional after multiple attempts to address it. So, what's the best way to tackle this without causing a huge argument? I've thought about sitting him down and explaining the scientific reasons why sharing toothbrushes is a bad idea, maybe even showing him some articles. Or perhaps we need a clear, designated spot for his toothbrush, one that he actually uses and replaces. Should I try to encourage better dental habits in general, like suggesting we brush together, or even buying him a fancy new electric toothbrush to make it more appealing? I'm torn between wanting to maintain good hygiene for both of us and not wanting to constantly nag. Has anyone else dealt with a partner who has questionable dental habits or who constantly 'borrows' your personal items? How did you handle it effectively and maintain relationship harmony? I'm desperate for some practical advice on how to get him to understand the importance of his own dental hygiene, and more importantly, to keep his hands off my toothbrush!