Disinfection Of Toothbrushes Research Articles

Don't Rush with Your Brush: An In Vitro Study on Toothbrush Hygiene.

To evaluate the effectiveness of audiovisual (AV) aids in creating awareness of toothbrush hygiene. This randomized trial study was conducted on 40 children aged 6-11 years. Children were given soft toothbrushes and then collected after brushing for 14 days. The toothbrushes were collected and sent to the laboratory for microbial culture evaluation. A questionnaire consisting of various questions regarding daily toothbrush hygiene practices was filled by the parents at the same time. After 14 days, brushes were collected, and the parents were shown an AV aid regarding toothbrush decontamination, parental awareness, and supervision. Those children were given new sets of toothbrushes and instructed to decontaminate them with chlorhexidine solution. After 14 days, the same questionnaire was filled out by the parents and toothbrushes were collected and immediately sent to the laboratory for microbial culture evaluation. All the sampled toothbrushes had significant (p < 0.001) bacterial growth after 14 days of use. The use of disinfectant led to a 99.98% reduction in microbial colony counts. Hence, showed a significant result. Questionnaire analysis showed a positive parental approach toward maintaining toothbrush hygiene. Cleaning and disinfection of toothbrushes is crucial to stop the spread of disease since bacterial contamination cannot be 100% eliminated. AV aids can be effective tools for increasing awareness. Through this study, we want to emphasize toothbrush hygiene and create awareness for the same through AV aid because a healthy toothbrush leads to healthy oral health. Sharma S, Tandon S, Rai TS, et al. Don't Rush with Your Brush: An In Vitro Study on Toothbrush Hygiene. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):162-167.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Toothbrush Contamination and Disinfection Among Undergraduate Students in Selected Universities in Somalia.

Oral health is crucial for overall well-being and systemic health and Humans are exposed to several bacteria after birth and will causes systemic illnesses like septicemia, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal issues. This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding toothbrush contamination and disinfection. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out with undergraduates from seven selected universities, including public and private universities. A closed-ended questionnaire containing 24 items was distributed to A total of 490 undergraduate students. The study showed that (28.6%, n=140) had knowledge about toothbrush cleaning and disinfection. A total of (350, n=71.4%) needed to gain knowledge about toothbrush cleaning and disinfection. Fifty-two percent of the students feel that bacteria are the primary mode of toothbrush contamination. Many of the students had different ways of disinfecting toothbrushes, including, boiling a small pot of normal water (51.4%, n=252), chemical agent (31.8%, n=156), ultraviolet sanitizer (0.2%, n=4), and microwave radiation (0.2%, n=1) does not know (16.1%, n=79). Most students (76.9%, n=377) felt that toothbrush disinfection was necessary. Fewer students have sufficient knowledge about toothbrush contamination and practice disinfection methods, whereas most students need to be made aware of the contamination of toothbrushes and the use of disinfectant methods.

In Vitro Efficacy of Domestic Techniques for Disinfection of Toothbrushes Contaminated With Enterococcus faecalis.

Introduction: Oral hygiene education for patients is fundamental in preventive-promotional dentistry. The disinfection of toothbrushes (TBs) must be integrated into this context due to their proximity to contaminant sources that make them vulnerable to cross infection in homes. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of domestic techniques for disinfection of TBs. Materials and Methods: We performed an in vitro study of 76 TBs contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) ATCC 29212 subjected to different disinfection protocols: G1. Distilled water (DW; negative control; n = 8), G2. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)10% (negative control; n = 8), G3. Chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.12% (positive control; n = 15), G4. 100% white vinegar (WV; n = 15), G5. Microwave (MW) at 700 W (n = 15), and G6. 200 mg/mL of certified alcoholic extract of purple garlic (GARLIC) from Arequipa (Allium sativum L; n = 15). Bacterial count was assessed by colony-forming units (CFU/mL) categorized as contamination: low (<30), medium (30-300), and high (>300). The Kruskal-Wallis test with post hoc pairs was used at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Efficacy against Ef showed highly significant differences between groups (p < 0.001) with lower median CFU/mL in G3 and G4 (Me = 0 [IQR (interquartile range) = 0]: low) and G5 (Me = 6000 [IQR = 45,000]: low/medium) versus negative controls (Me = 378,500 and 5,020,000 [IQR = 4,605,000 and 6,760,000]: medium/high; p ≤ 0.019). The counts of the G5 were not statistically different than G3, G4, and G6 (p > 0.06). The G6 (Me = 1,510,000 [IQR = 590,000]: medium) was inferior to G3 and G4 (p < 0.001), but similar to both negative control groups (p > 0.999). Conclusions: Disinfection of TBs with CHX, WV, and MWs produces a significant effective reduction in the count of Ef.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Disinfectants on Contaminated Toothbrushes in Healthy and Chronic Periodontitis Patients – A Comparative Study

ABSTRACT Background: Toothbrushes that are used regularly can accumulate a high amount of microorganisms, which have the potential to cause infections or reinfections. There is a need for toothbrush disinfection methods which are effective and can be easily implemented. The present study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of different disinfectants on contaminated toothbrushes in healthy and chronic periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were taken who were divided into two Groups A and B: Group A consisted of 30 healthy patients who were further subgrouped as Group A1 (control group), Group A2 (1% sodium hypochlorite), Group A3 (1% vinegar), and Group A4 (ultraviolet [UV] sanitizer) and Group B consisted of 30 patients with mild-to-moderate generalized chronic periodontitis who were further subgrouped as B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the different disinfection processes. Microbial counts were assessed and compared. A paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at P &lt; 0.001. Results: All disinfectants showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial load on contaminated toothbrushes in both the groups (P &lt; 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the efficacies of vinegar and sodium hypochlorite when compared with UV sanitizer in both the groups (P = 0.115 and P = 0.205). Conclusion: The study concluded that UV sanitizer can be used as a preferable toothbrush disinfection method.

Comparison of three different solutions for the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes: A randomized controlled trial

Introduction - Toothbrushes get contaminated with use and may be a source of infection and cross-contamination. Disinfection of toothbrushes after use results in reduction in amount of bacteria on toothbrushes. Various agents are used, like chlorhexidine, UV lights, triclosan, baking soda, neem, etc. for the same. To compare three different solutions for the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes To assess and compare the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristle and nylon bristle toothbrushes using three different solutions. Material and Methods - A total of 120 individuals belonging to the age group of 8 to 11 years old were recruited. Six groups based on the disinfection solution and type of disinfectant were made: Group 1- bamboo toothbrush and water, group 2- nylon toothbrush and water, group 3- bamboo toothbrush and triclosan mouthwash, group 4- nylon toothbrush and triclosan mouthwash, group 5- bamboo toothbrush and baking soda and group 6- nylon toothbrush and baking soda. After brushing, the children/ parent were asked to disinfect the toothbrush for five minutes after every use for eight days. Bristle samples were collected on days 1 and 8 for the evaluation of CFU/ml of total bacterial count. Results - A total of 118 participants completed the study. The mean bacterial counts in CFU/ml on day 1 were 7.17 ± 0.59, 7.12 ± 0.61, 6.73 ± 0.52, 6.94±0.67, 6.86±0.57 and 7.03±0.56 for group 1 to 6, respectively. The mean bacterial counts in CFU/ml on day 8 were 7.14 ± 0.57, 7.04 ± 0.58, 1.48 ± 0.36, 1.91 ± 0.35, 2.07±0.43 and 2.07±0.32 for group 1 to group 6, respectively. Conclusion - Triclosan containing mouthwash and baking soda were both similar in terms of the disinfection of bamboo toothbrushes with plant based bristles and nylon toothbrushes. Key Words - Baking soda, Bamboo toothbrush with plant based bristles, Disinfection, S. mutans, Toothbrush, Triclosan mouthwash, 8-11-year-old children

Microbial Contamination of Toothbrush and Methods to Overcome - A Review

Numerous microbes found in household toothbrushes can lead to contamination of the oral cavity. These microorganisms can survive on the toothbrush for several days or weeks. Several studies have found a link between tooth decay and toothbrush bacterial residues. As a result, toothbrush disinfection is critical for toothbrush and oral hygiene maintenance. Furthermore, brush disinfection is required to prevent disease transmission, especially in children, the elderly, and high-risk patients, such as those with immunodeficiency or undergoing organ transplants or chemotherapy. This paper aims to analyse various methods of decontaminating toothbrushes. Numerous techniques have been discussed in the literature regarding decontamination of toothbrushes between uses. However, no single completely efficacious technique has been found to the said effect. Therefore, the search is still on for a rapidly effective, cost-effective, nontoxic, and easily implementable suitable alternative. Keywords: Chemical, Contamination, Decontamination, Physical, Toothbrush.

Knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tooth brush maintenance toward COVID-19 prevention among students at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University

Background: Using a toothbrush has a role in the spread and infection of viruses. Toothbrush contamination can be limited with proper sterilization, storage, and replacement. Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to disinfection, preservation, and replacement of toothbrushes in the prevention of COVID-19 among students of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study on 700 students was conducted from January 2022 to April 2022. Data were collected by direct survey based on a set of prepared questionnaires. Results: The rate of correct knowledge, positive attitude, and correct practice is 42.6%, 53.1%, and 46.1%. 14.9% of students disinfected with disinfectant solutions. 22.7% of students kept it separately, and 62% replaced the brush every three months. The percentage of students who practice correctly increases when they know infectious agents and modes of infection, have a positive attitude about the need to disinfect brushes, and self-assessed good/good oral hygiene (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The study shows that the percentage of students at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy have adequate knowledge (42.6%), positive attitudes (53.1%), and proper practice (46.1%) about using toothbrushes in the prevention of COVID-19 is low. Simultaneous, the study also shows a statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practice about using toothbrushes. Key words: toothbrush, COVID-19, student.

Knowledge and Practice of Dentists in a Dental College Regarding Toothbrush Disinfection in Mangalore City: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire Study Original Article

Knowledge and Practice of Dentists in a Dental College Regarding Toothbrush Disinfection in Mangalore City: A Cross Sectional Questionnaire Study Original Article

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and dental students about maintaining and disinfecting toothbrushes.

Proper toothbrush care and maintenance play an important role in oral health. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical and dental students regarding the maintenance and disinfection of toothbrushes. This cross-sectional descriptive study examined 824 medical and dental students of Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire and analysed using chi-square test and independent t-test. The level of statistical significance was considered to be <0.05. Nearly 63.7% of the students had a good level of knowledge regarding toothbrush maintenance, 62.2% had a positive attitude toward toothbrush care, and 53.7% had a good practice. The mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice were significantly higher in dental, clinical, and female students as compared to medical, preclinical, and male students, respectively. Based on the results, about 54.3% of the students kept their toothbrushes outside the bathroom; 68% kept them vertically with the bristles upright; and 54% kept them in a separate container. Also, 50.6% of the students believed that toothbrush disinfection was necessary, while 31.9% believed that only certain groups of people needed toothbrush disinfection. This study indicated the moderate level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical and dental students in maintaining and disinfecting their toothbrushes. The students' oral health habits were also at a moderate level; therefore, further improvements seem essential. To achieve this goal, educational intervention programs need to be developed in the future.

Evaluation of knowledge about and attitudes towards toothbrush disinfection, personal plaque control, and periodontal diseases of patients presenting to dental clinics.

The present study aims to evaluate patients' knowledge about toothbrush disinfection (TBD), plaque control, knowledge, and awareness of periodontal diseases (P-knowledge and P-awareness). The study enrolled 121 participants (70 women and 51 men). Participants were asked to fill out a survey containing questions about demographic characteristics, toothbrushing habits, toothbrush storage conditions, toothpaste use, TBD, P-knowledge, and P-awareness. The periodontal clinical parameters (GI, PI, PPD, CAL, BOP, and GR) and DMFT index were recorded. The patients were informed about TBD, and 1 month later, the participants were contacted again and asked whether they disinfected their toothbrushes. The participants (51.2%) do not have any knowledge about TBD. Most of those who reported disinfecting their toothbrushes think that washing toothbrushes with tap water is disinfection (23.1%). One month after the TBD training, only 36.3% of the participants reported that they disinfected, albeit not regularly, their toothbrushes with white vinegar. While there was no statistically significant relationship between genders in terms of visiting dentists, a significant relationship was found between genders in terms of toothbrushing frequency (p < 0.05). P-awareness was found to be "medium" while P-knowledge was at a "low" level. While there was no statistically significant difference between income levels in terms of P-knowledge levels, a significant difference was found between genders and educational backgrounds in terms of P-knowledge levels (p < 0.05). The results of the study suggest that the participants do not have enough knowledge about toothbrush storage conditions, toothpaste sharing, and TBD. Collaborating with dental hygienists to raise awareness about oral health and TBD may have a positive impact.

A Prospective Study on Assessment of Microbial Contamination of Toothbrushes and Methods of Their Decontamination

Toothbrushes may get contaminated by the oral cavity, environment, hands, storage containers, or aerosol contamination. The present study was conducted to assess the microbial contamination of toothbrushes and methods of their decontamination. The current study included 160 subjects of both genders. All the subjects were provided with a toothbrush and paste with complete hygiene instructions for the oral cavity. After one month, all the brushes were collected. The samples were categorized into four groups of 40 each. GroupI was treated with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, group II with Listerine, group III with Dettol, and group IV with tap water. Finally, these toothbrushes were placed in 5 mL of neutralizer broth and then evaluated to study the efficacy of four disinfectants. All the data were analyzed using the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 23 software (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). For all analyses, p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant Results: Aerobic bacterial growth before disinfection in Groups I, II, III, and IV was 91.6%, 75.84%, 75%, 81.67%, respectively (p = 0.01). After disinfecting the brushes aerobic bacterial growth was reduced to 34.17%, 30.84%, 24.17% & 74.17% in Groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (p = 0.002). Klebsiella, Micrococci and Escherichia coli survived the most even after disinfection was done. Most effective agent for the disinfection of toothbrushes was Dettol followed by Listerine and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Tap water was found to be ineffective in the decontamination of toothbrushes.

Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Dentists Regarding Toothbrush Hygiene and Disinfection in Private Dental Colleges of Lucknow City India: A Cross-sectional Study.

BackgroundA toothbrush is one of the most important aids used for cleaning teeth by most people in the world. So, knowledge regarding toothbrush disinfection is of utmost importance to everyone, especially the dental fraternity. With this in mind this study aims to understand the Knowledge Attitude and Practice of dentists regarding toothbrush hygiene and disinfection in private dental colleges of Lucknow City.Materials and methodsThis was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, which included the undergraduates (UGs, interns), postgraduates (PGs), and faculty members of the four private dental colleges who gave the consent to participate in the study. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22, the Chi-square test was used and p- value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThere was a statistically significant difference regarding toothbrush contamination, mode of storing the toothbrush, and the various practice used for toothbrush disinfection among the interns, postgraduates, and faculty members who participated in the study. It was also seen that the general awareness and practice of toothbrush disinfection was higher among the female participants in the study, which was also a statistically significant result.ConclusionThere was a statistically significant difference in the perceptions about toothbrush contamination and disinfection among postgraduates and interns that might be attributed to their higher academic knowledge and clinical experience.How to cite this articlePotlia I, Singh P, Chauhan H, et al. Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Dentists Regarding Toothbrush Hygiene and Disinfection in Private Dental Colleges of Lucknow City India: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):79-84.

THE EVALUATION OF Streptococcus Mutans COLONIZATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOL NURSERY-KINDERGARTEN CHILDREN's TOOTHBRUSH AT DIYARBAKIR REGION

AIM: Disinfection of the toothbrush is an essential parameter for oral hygiene. As a result, especially children can not clean their toothbrushes sufficiently after brushing their teeth. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accumulation level of Streptococcus mutans colonization at private school nursery-kindergarten children's toothbrushes and evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine solution in four weeks for disinfection. METHODS: This study was approved by the local ethics committee. Two hundred thirty-four private school nursery-kindergarten children were selected for this study, who's aged between 24-72 months. These selected children for this study did not have any dental, antibiotic, antimycotic treatment in the last three months. Before the study, a survey was conducted about parents' education, employment, the income. A pediatric dentist made an oral examination of these children, dental caries, fillings, and missing teeth were determined. Children were divided into two groups; toothbrushes, toothpaste, and practical solutions distilled water and %0,12 chlorhexidine gluconate solution was given in a bottle for four weeks. In addition, the toothbrushes of children were collected every week. After incubation, Streptococcus mutans colonization was evaluated under stereomicroscope. All the collected data were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The DMF-T scores were statistically significant when evaluated with parents' education and income (p&amp;lt;0,05), but there was no statistical relationship between parents' employment and DMF-T scores (p0,05). Streptococcus mutans colony reduction at the Chlorhexidine group was statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0,05). CONCLUSION: From the first brushing, toothbrushes can be contaminated with bacteria. If the toothbrushes are not clean sufficiently, the bacteria taken from the oral environment have a chance to form a colony on the toothbrushes with the effect of moisture. In addition, Streptococcus Mutans is a bacteria that can stay on toothbrushes and cause re-infection. This study shows that toothbrush disinfection is essential to prevent bacteria from re-infection and contamination of oral flora.

Efficacy of Different Sterilization Techniques for Toothbrush Decontamination: An Ex Vivo Study.

BackgroundContaminated toothbrushes can cause several oral and systemic illnesses. This study aimed to identify the most rapid, effective, and affordable method for toothbrush decontamination. In addition, the most prevalent bacterial species colonizing toothbrushes were determined.MethodologyToothbrushes were collected after two weeks of use by 55 volunteers. The bacterial count was measured before and after sterilization using 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, 0.1% Listerine, 70% white alcohol, 10% povidone-iodine, 1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% glutaraldehyde, ultraviolet radiation, microwave irradiation, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and 100% white vinegar, with tap water rinse as the control.ResultsA marked reduction in the bacterial count was observed pre- and post-sterilization. All sterilization methods were effective for toothbrush disinfection. Sterilization using 2% glutaraldehyde and 3% hydrogen peroxide solutions resulted in the most significant reduction in the mean bacterial count and percentage reduction in the total bacterial count, respectively. The toothbrush samples were also colonized by several different types of bacteria. The most common colonizing bacterial species included Bacillus subtilis (28% prevalence), Sacrina (26% prevalence),and Streptococcus pneumoniae (24% prevalence).ConclusionsBecause bacterial contamination cannot be eliminated and different species colonize toothbrush surfaces, cleaning and disinfection are essential to prevent disease transmission.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Dental Interns, House-Staff, Post Graduates, and Faculty of Dental Colleges in Kolkata City Toward Toothbrush Maintenance and Disinfection

Background: Toothbrush is essential for removing dental biofilm and preventing dental caries and periodontal disease. Toothbrushes become contaminated after repeated use, so disinfection is necessary for tooth brush maintenance. It is critical that dentists should have a current understanding and perception of toothbrush contamination and disinfection. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among the dental interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of the dental colleges in Kolkata city regarding toothbrush maintenance and disinfection. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among interns, house staff, postgraduates, and faculty of dental colleges in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The data on oral health knowledge attitude practice (KAP) were collected using a self-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was evaluated in the form of frequencies and percentages. Results: A total of 138 participants responded to the survey. Knowledge regarding toothbrush disinfection was found to be in 84% of the participants with maximum in house staff with 75%. Majority of the participants will prefer chlorhexidine as solution of disinfecting the toothbrush. Ninety-seven percent of the participants think that the toothbrush disinfection is necessary for everybody. Conclusion: The majority of interns surveyed had no idea how to keep their toothbrushes clean. Despite being aware of the issue, some participants did not disinfect their toothbrushes. Education on how to use and maintain a toothbrush effectively would help to improve the KAP for toothbrush maintenance and disinfection.

Oral hygiene practices in the pandemic- Evidence-based discussion of 8 common issues.

Oral hygiene practices in the pandemic- Evidence-based discussion of 8 common issues.

Evaluation of microbial contamination of toothbrushes and their decontamination using various disinfectants: An in vitro study

Background: Toothbrush often gets contaminated with use and also during storage. Although many toothbrush disinfection methods are mentioned in the past literature. To date there no absolute consensus on the topic. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the microbial contamination of toothbrushes and their decontamination using various disinfectants. Subjects and Methods: An in vitro study was carried out on 80 subjects with a gingival index (Loe and Silness, 1963) score of two or three received toothbrush and paste with complete oral hygiene instructions. After 1 month, toothbrushes were collected and checked for microbial contamination by aerobic culture. Toothbrushes were divided into four groups (n = 20) and treated with one of the following agents: Group A – 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, Group B – Listerine, Group C – Dettol, and Group D – tap water for 1 h. After an hour, the brushes were further cultured to evaluate the efficacy of each agent. Statistical procedures were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16 software. Inferential statistics were performed using Chi-square analysis. P < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results: All the sampled toothbrushes had significant (P < 0.001) bacterial growth after 1 month of use. Most of the brushes were contaminated with Escherichia coli (17.1%). All the tested disinfectants significantly (P < 0.001) reduced bacterial growth and Dettol showed maximum effectiveness (95.3%). Conclusions: Toothbrushes significantly get contaminated after use, which is reduced after disinfecting the brushes. Although not 100% effective, all the disinfectants significantly reduced the bacteria, and Dettol was found to be comparatively better than other agents.

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

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.

The Evaluation of Knowledge and Behavior of Medical Doctors about Toothbrush Disinfection

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of medical doctors about toothbrush disinfection. &#x0D; Methods: This study included 170 medical doctors (63 females, 107 males). Participants filled out the standard questionnaires which contained 18 items into three parts: demographic data, personal oral hygiene practices-patient recommendations about toothbrush disinfection, and toothbrush disinfection. Data analyses were performed with t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, where appropriate. &#x0D; Results: Regarding personal oral hygiene practices; most medical doctors reported that they brushed their teeth at least twice a day and changed their toothbrushes once every three months. Statistically significant differences were found between females and males for these questions (p &lt; 0.05). Most participants stored their toothbrushes in an open-topped toothbrush holder shared with other individuals and shared their toothpaste with other individuals. The doctors mostly did not any advice their patients about toothbrush usage. &#x0D; Conclusion: Regarding toothbrush disinfection; most medical doctors reported a lack of knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and did not disinfect their own toothbrushes. On the other hand, the participants mostly thought that toothbrush disinfection was necessary for everyone. The results of this study showed that majority of the participants were unaware about the subject.

Effectiveness of Home Disinfection of Dental Brushes through Chemical Methods

Oral hygiene gained a great deal of space in the daily lives of the population, with that the concern with the correct way to perform the hygiene and storage of the toothbrush. Bacterial plaque is one of the main causative agents of caries and periodontal disease, along with bacteria, fungi and viruses that are found within the oral cavity. The accumulation of biofilm and the lack of oral hygiene provide an ideal environment for the proliferation of microorganisms, increasing the risk of causing these diseases. In this regard, the toothbrush will serve as an important tool for removing plaque and these organisms. However, right after the first use of the brush, these microorganisms become lodged on the surface of the brush. In order to reduce the number of microorganisms, physical and chemical methods have emerged for disinfecting toothbrushes. Thus, this study aims to analyze the effectiveness of home disinfection of toothbrushes using chemical substances. This is an in vitro laboratory study in which brush hygiene was evaluated by immersion and spraying (n=3), with chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils and distilled water, as a negative control, to serve as a comparison for microbial growth in Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHI) culture medium. The result was evaluated according to the transparency of the culture medium following the McFarland turbidity scale. The result of the experiments was that the group by immersion of essential oils showed the best result in the absence of bacterial growth, followed by chlorhexidine and then hydrogen peroxide. The group by spraying both substances was the one that proved to be the most flawed, with a high rate of bacterial growth. Thus, essential oils were the most effective substance, however, none of the methods proved to be totally efficient in combating Streptococcus mitis.