Efficacy of Two Different Mouth Rinses in Inhibition of the Growth of Streptococcus mutans on Toothbrush Bristles

Abstract

Background: Toothbrush serves to be an important mechanical tool in maintaining oral hygiene. In today's era of modern medicine, with a finite knowledge and awareness about toothbrush disinfection, this tool could be reason for cross-contamination. Thus, the study aimed at comparison of the efficacy of two different mouth rinses (chlorhexidine and hiora) in inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans on the bristle of toothbrush used by children. Materials and Methods: A total of 52 children were elected for this study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into subgroups based on the time duration for after which the microbial count was assessed in both the groups. Each of the toothbrushes was placed in the phosphate-buffered saline solution, vortexed and then diluted serially. Mitis salivarius bacitracin agar plates were inoculated following which the incubation was done for 48 h. S. mutans were identified by morphology of the colonies formed, Gram staining and biochemical tests. Results: The difference between the two groups was statistically significant in both scenarios when toothbrushes were processed immediately and when processed after 24 h. Bacterial counts were the least with chlorhexidine group and in those tested after the storage period suggesting the need for drying time for toothbrush to get disinfected before the next use. Conclusion: For disinfection of the toothbrush and avoid further risk of cross contamination, use of mouth rinses and adequate drying time will serve the purpose in an economic and strategic way.