Abstract
BackgroundToothbrushes are the most commonly used mechanical plaque control methods, and they are said to harbor microorganisms if not stored properly following usage.ObjectiveAn assessment of the influence of a decontaminating agent (sterile water (control)/chlorhexidine mouthwash/herbal mouthwash) on the properties of toothbrush bristles following storage for 24 hrs by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).MethodologyThe study involves a total of 24 slim soft toothbrushes (six samples per group) with different decontaminating agents: Group 1: Vented container, Group 2: Sterile water, Group 3: 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash, and Group 4: Herbal mouthwash. The toothbrushes were stored in their respective containers for 24 hours, following which, snippets of toothbrush bristles were collected and tested for the evaluation of wear using SEM and the biochemical alteration occurring in the bristles was assessed using FTIR.Results and conclusionThe Group 2 and Group 3 samples showed significant wear (Score 2) under SEM evaluation, and FTIR spectroscopy evaluation revealed that changes occur in the fingerprint region of infrared spectroscopy owing to chemical bond alteration following decontamination. Considering the benefits we acquire in terms of microbial load reduction, decontamination is recommended, though it might necessitate frequent changing of toothbrushes.
Highlights
Dental biofilm or dental plaque, a causative factor responsible for the development of dental caries and the initiation of gingival and periodontal diseases, has been an area of interest among researchers for decades
The Group 2 and Group 3 samples showed significant wear (Score 2) under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) evaluation, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy evaluation revealed that changes occur in the fingerprint region of infrared spectroscopy owing to chemical bond alteration following decontamination
Considering the benefits we acquire in terms of microbial load reduction, decontamination is recommended, though it might necessitate frequent changing of toothbrushes
Summary
Dental biofilm or dental plaque, a causative factor responsible for the development of dental caries and the initiation of gingival and periodontal diseases, has been an area of interest among researchers for decades. The pellicle serves as an adhesive that facilitates the attachment and colonization of numerous microorganisms. This tenacious microbial layer is referred to as dental plaque. Dental plaque attracts and facilitates the co-aggregation of primary and secondary bacterial colonizers, forming a more complex structure that can compete with the native flora of the oral cavity, causing disease. Two types of plaque control methods are: mechanical (tooth brushing, flossing, and scaling) and chemical (mouthwashes). The advent of various oral hygiene aids has contributed significantly to the prevention of oral diseases, with toothbrushes (TB) being the most economical one. Other auxiliary aids available in the market include interdental brushes, dental floss, and mouthwashes. Toothbrushes are the most commonly used mechanical plaque control methods, and they are said to harbor microorganisms if not stored properly following usage
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