Contaminated Toothbrush: Potential Threat to Oral and General Health Mahantesha S.1,*, Ashwini S.2, Jaiswal Rima3, Priya Yashi3, Manjusha M.V.4 1Reader, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore-560054 2Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore-560054 3ExPost Graduate Student, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore-560054 4Post Graduate Student, Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Sciences, M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, Bangalore-560054 *Corresponding Author E-Mail: mahanperio@gmail.com
Online published on 18 January, 2019. Abstract Background Toothbrushes which are important tool for maintaining oral hygiene daily can also hasten the growth of microorganisms if residues remain on the bristles. Toothbrush disinfection has received little attention which necessitates for disinfection methods which are rapidly efficacious, cost-effective, non-toxic and that can be executed easily. Aim The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of easily available disinfectants on toothbrush contamination. Materials and Methods A total of 20 samples were randomly divided into 4 groups, in which 5 samples were included in each group i.e. control group: saline solution and test group: 5 each in 0.2% chlorhexidine solution, 2% betadine solution, and vinegar respectively. Regularly used toothbrush from all the participants were dipped in double sterile distilled water to obtain the colony count pre-disinfection. Toothbrushes were then dipped in the test and control solution for 10 minutes, and were thereafter dipped in double sterile distilled water to obtain the colony count post-disinfection. The solution then obtained was cultured and analysed for colony forming units. Statistical Analysis Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16.0. Mann Whitney test was used to compare mean values of CFU after disinfection with different disinfectants. Results There were statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) between the groups (Groups 2, 3 and 4) of all of the tested methods for the microorganisms. The maximum reduction was seen in betadine group (mean = 0.03 x 103), followed by chlorhexidine (mean=0.17 x 103) and vinegar group (mean=0.2 x 103). Conclusion From the results that were obtained, it could be inferred that an easily applicable substitute for the disinfection of toothbrushes are on counter-solutions based on the betadine test. Top Keywords Tooth Brush Contamination, Disinfection, Betadine, Chlorhexidine, Vinegar. Top |