As any dentist will tell you, giving your toothbrush early retirement leads to healthier teeth and gums (besides providing you with a steady supply of gardening and cleaning aids). But did you know it can also help you lick a cold or the flu? That’s because germs linger on a wet brush, and when you use the same one over and over, you keep reinfecting yourself. So the next time you come down with a sore throat, runny nose, fever…the whole nine yards…play it smart: Get yourself a fresh toothbrush and put the old one to work elsewhere, doing chores like scrubbing the bathroom sink, or cleaning the treads in your muddy sneakers!