Abstract
Context. Dental unit waterlines may be heavily contaminated with microorganisms and are a potential source of infection for both practicing staff and immunocompromised patients particularly. Contamination of dental unit water lines could be inhibited with the use of disinfectants. The present study investigates the effect of aloe-vera-based disinfectant in reducing the microbial growth in dental unit water lines (DUWLs). Aims. To compare the efficacy of aloe vera, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in controlling microbial contamination of DUWLs. Materials and Methods. After obtaining baseline water samples, the dental unit waterlines were treated with aloe vera, 10% hydrogen peroxide, and 5% sodium hypochlorite. Each of the three disinfectants was used in increasing concentrations and their inhibiting effect was compared. Water samples were analyzed for microbiological quality by the total viable count (TVC) method. Statistical Analysis Used. SPSS 16. Results. There was significant reduction in mean CFU/ml when treated with disinfectants each for a period of one week. Aloe-vera solution was found to be the most effective in reducing the microbial colonies. Conclusions. Improving the water quality from dental unit water lines is of considerable importance; chemical-based disinfectants can be replaced with herbal disinfectants for treating microbial contamination in dental unit waterlines.
Highlights
The term “biofilm” refers to assemblage of microbial cells, that is, irreversibly associated with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material
Once a new dental unit water lines (DUWLs) system is connected to the mains water supply, a biofilm will form within eight hours
The study included collection of water samples from each unit beginning with baseline collection and after DUWL exposure
Summary
The term “biofilm” refers to assemblage of microbial cells, that is, irreversibly associated with a surface and enclosed in a matrix of primarily polysaccharide material. The growth of biofilm is considered to be a result of complex processes involving transport of organic and inorganic molecules and microbial cells to the surface, adsorption of molecules to the surface, and initial attachment of microbial cells followed by their irreversible adhesion, facilitated by production of extracellular polymeric substances, often referred to as glycocalyx or slime [1]. Organisms in dental unit water line biofilm are predominantly derived from the incoming mains water. Once a new DUWL system is connected to the mains water supply, a biofilm will form within eight hours. Biofilm formation in dental unit water lines takes place even when it is not used for treatment of patients [2]. Frequent periods of water stagnation in DUWLs and the properties of the plastics used in DUWLs construction can promote the attachment and colonization of biofilm forming microorganisms [3]
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