Abstract
This study aimed to test the sterility of new unused orthodontic buccal tubes received from manufacturers. Four different types of buccal tubes were used straight from the manufactures package without any additional sterilizing step. Of these buccal tubes tested, three genera of bacteria, implicated as opportunistic pathogens, namely Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were recovered from these buccal tubes. Our data showing microbial contamination on buccal tubes highlights the need of sterilization before clinical use. We also suggest that manufacturers should list the sterility state of orthodontic buccal tubes on their packaging or instructions stating the need for sterilization.
Highlights
Human oral flora is a unique habitat which consists of at least 400 to 700 different bacterial species [1].Oral bacteria represent a complex and dynamic community and are responsible for, inter alia, twoInt
Lucas et al [4] have demonstrated that orthodontic treatment procedures can cause bacteraemia by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
Six buccal tubes were found to be contaminated by bacteria
Summary
Human oral flora is a unique habitat which consists of at least 400 to 700 different bacterial species [1]. Orthodontic buccal tubes are used in orthodontic treatment to facilitate the movement of teeth along the archwire They are attached to the molars but come in contact with intact mucous membranes. Sterilization can be achieved primarily by high heat treatment such as autoclave or irradiation, with the aim of destroying all forms of microorganisms to reduce the introduction of or spread of infectious diseases. This is a crucial step, including the sterilization of dental instrument such as orthodontic buccal tubes. This study was designed to ascertain the sterility of new buccal tubes and to identify the presence of any pathological microorganisms, as some organisms are known to survive for more than a month in dry conditions and resist heat up to 60 °C [6]
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