Comparison of three different solutions for the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction - Toothbrushes get contaminated with use and may be a source of infection and cross-contamination. Disinfection of toothbrushes after use results in reduction in amount of bacteria on toothbrushes. Various agents are used, like chlorhexidine, UV lights, triclosan, baking soda, neem, etc. for the same. To compare three different solutions for the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes To assess and compare the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes using three different solutions. Material and Methods - A total of 120 individuals belonging to the age group of 8 to 11 years old were recruited. Six groups based on the disinfection solution and type of disinfectant were made: Group 1- bamboo toothbrush and water, group 2- nylon toothbrush and water, group 3- bamboo toothbrush and triclosan mouthwash, group 4- nylon toothbrush and triclosan mouthwash, group 5- bamboo toothbrush and baking soda and group 6- nylon toothbrush and baking soda. After brushing, the children/ parent were asked to disinfect the toothbrush for five minutes after every use for eight days. Bristle samples were collected on days 1 and 8 for the evaluation of CFU/ml of total bacterial count. Results - A total of 118 participants completed the study. The mean bacterial counts in CFU/ml on day 1 were 7.17 ± 0.59, 7.12 ± 0.61, 6.73 ± 0.52, 6.94±0.67, 6.86±0.57 and 7.03±0.56 for group 1 to 6, respectively. The mean bacterial counts in CFU/ml on day 8 were 7.14 ± 0.57, 7.04 ± 0.58, 1.48 ± 0.36, 1.91 ± 0.35, 2.07±0.43 and 2.07±0.32 for group 1 to group 6, respectively. Conclusion - Triclosan containing mouthwash and baking soda were both similar in terms of the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristles and nylon toothbrushes. Key Words - Baking soda, Bamboo toothbrush with plant based bristles, Disinfection, S. mutans, Toothbrush, Triclosan mouthwash, 8-11-year-old children