Efficacy of microwaves and chlorhexidine for disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes: an in vitro study

Microbial contamination and disinfection methods of pacifiers

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).

Contaminated tooth brushes-potential threat to oral and general health

BACKGROUND

Tooth brushing is most common method of maintaining oral hygiene. In removing plaque and other soft debris from the teeth, tooth brushes become contaminated with bacteria, blood, saliva and oral debris. These contaminated tooth brushes can be a source of infection.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of microorganisms in the tooth brushes and to investigate the effect of disinfectants such as chlorhexidine gluconate, sodium hypochlorite and water to decontaminate them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one children were asked to brush their teeth for 5 days with a tooth brush. The tooth brushes were put in Robertson's Cooked Meat broth and were observed for growth of Streptococcal microorganisms. These tooth brushes were then placed in disinfectants such as 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (Group I), 1% sodium hypochlorite (Group II) and water (Group III) for 24 hrs and then cultured again. Reduction of growth of microorganisms was seen in Group I, Group II and remnants of growth seen in Group III.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the use of disinfectant for a tooth brush is a must for every individual at least at regular intervals.

Genomic identification and quantification of microbial species adhering to toothbrush bristles after disinfection: A cross-over study

PURPOSE

The aim of this clinical investigation was to identify and quantify the microbial species adhering to toothbrush bristles after controlled brushing and storage in different antimicrobial agents.

METHODS

Sixteen healthy participants were enrolled in this study and randomly submitted to 4 interventions in a cross-over design: brushing and toothbrush storage in (I) Periogard/(II) Periobio (Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12%), (III) Cepacol (cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05%) and (IV) distilled water (positive control). Thirty-eight bacterial species including putative pathogens and 5 Candida spp. were assessed by Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization.

RESULTS

The results of the study have shown a striking reduction of the total microbial counts, including bacteria and Candida spp., on the toothbrush bristles after storage in cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05% (p < 0.0001). Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% showed no differences on the total bacterial count when compared to distilled water (p > 0.05). Cetylpyridinium chloride solution also presented the lowest genome counts and frequency of detection for individual target species; distilled water showed the highest individual genome counts (p < 0.05). Potential pathogenic species were recorded in moderate to high levels for chlorhexidine gluconate and distilled water.

CONCLUSION

Cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05% was the most effective storage solution in the reduction of total and individual microbial counts, including pathogenic species.