Gingivitis and Toothbrush Contamination

Abstract

ral diseases can be controlled by reducing the microbial count in the oral cavity and this can be achieved by maintaining proper oral hygiene. Toothbrushes are the most commonly used oral hygiene aid to prevent the dental and other oral diseases. To evaluate the association between gingivitis and contamination statues of toothbrush, effectiveness of disinfectants and d uration of using the toothbrushes. The study was conducted on 63 patients and their toothbrushes. Gingival status of participants were evaluated by measuring the gingival index then the patients were asked about the duration of using his/her toothbrush and asked to bring his toothbrush for assessment of contamination status with regards to(Staphylococcus aureus) as well as for evaluation of efficacy of two types of disinfectants. The toothbrush samples were collected and subjected to quantitative assay of microorganisms. The efficacy of chlorhexidine (0.2%) and sodium hypochloride (1%) were assessed at 1, 2 and 3 hours. The data were compared by using student T test, ANOVA and LCD test and t- test. The gingival in dex was higher with patients using the toothbrushes for longer duration, the S.aureus was isolated from all tooth brushes as well as the degree of contamination was increased with increased the duration of use. The chlorhexidine and sodium hypochloride were effective in decontamination of toothbrushes but their efficacy was reduced with increasing the period of using the toothbrush. The gingivitis might be exacerbated by prolong using of toothbrushes, contamination correlated directly with duration of using the toothbrushes and efficacy of disinfectant inversely correlated to duration of use.