Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the microbial contamination of pacifiers by Mutans Streptococci (MS) and the efficacy of different methods for their disinfection.Methods Twenty-eight children were assigned to a 4-stage changeover system with a 1-week interval. In each stage, children received a new pacifier and the parents were instructed to maintain their normal habits for 1 week. After this time, the pacifiers were subjected to the following 4 disinfection methods: spraying with 0.12% chlorhexidine solution, Brushtox® or sterile tap water, and immersion in boiling tap water for 15 minutes. Microbiological culture for MS and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed. The results were analyzed statistically by Friedman’s non-parametric test (a=0.05).Results The 0.12% chlorhexidine spray was statistically similar to the boiling water (p>0.05) and more effective than the Brushtox® spray and control (p<0.05). The analysis of SEM showed the formation of a cariogenic biofilm in all groups with positive culture.Conclusions Pacifiers become contaminated by MS after their use by children and should be disinfected routinely. Spraying with a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution and immersion in boiling water promoted better disinfection of the pacifiers compared with a commercial antiseptic toothbrush cleanser (Brushtox®).
Highlights
Mutans Streptococci (MS) are the main etiologic agents of dental caries in humans[12], their adhesion to the paci¿er’s surface may increase the risk of caries in children.In everyday life, pacifiers are not always subjected to disinfection after their use, only being washed in running water and dried
Considering chlorhexidine is seen as the gold standard antimicrobial agent 14, a commercial antiseptic containing activated ethanol with biocides called Brushtox® has been recommended for cleaning toothbrushes[15], and that mothers usually boil their children’s paci¿ers before use, The use of paci¿ers is increasingly widespread in different modern cultures[30], being recommended[7] recently since paci¿er sucking calms down children, reduces crying, improves sleep[8], has analgesic effects, partially supplies the need for suction, and reduces the risk of sudden death in the ¿rst months of life[26]
3aci¿ers are in contact with saliva and oral microÀora and can be a site for contamination, growth, and transmission of microorganisms in children[3]
Summary
Pacifiers are not always subjected to disinfection after their use, only being washed in running water and dried. To the best of our knowledge, two in vitro studies[2,16] have evaluated the contamination of pacifiers by cariogenic microorganisms and the use of disinfection methods so far, but no in vivo study has been conducted. 3aci¿ers are in contact with saliva and oral microÀora and can be a site for contamination, growth, and transmission of microorganisms in children[3]. Their use has been associated with the occurrence of otitis media[22], candidiasis[13], intestinal parasitic infections 3, and dental caries 19,28.
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