Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy of an alternative natural agent for disinfection of toothbrushes

Abstract

Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the antimicrobial potency of aqueous extract of Psidium guajava leaves in two different concentrations as a toothbrush disinfectant against three oral bacterial species.Materials and Methods:Aqueous extracts of P. guajava leaves were prepared at 20% and 30% concentrations and 0.2% chlorhexidine was used as control. The toothbrushes were equally divided into 9 groups with 10 toothbrushes per disinfectant, which were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Microbial culture was done after 5 min and 3 h of decontamination.Results:Group Ia and Ib showed that the presence of E. faecalis was observed in 8 (40%) of 20 toothbrushes. Group IIa and IIb showed a significant reduction in colony forming unit/toothbrush during 3 h evaluation. Group IIIa and IIIb showed nil growth during 3 h evaluation. Nil growth was observed with the control group for all three organisms. Statistically significant values were obtained for 5 min (P < 0.001) and 3 h (P < 0.001) disinfection period against L. acidophilus at two different concentrations.Conclusion:Aqueous extracts of guava leaves can be used as an alternative organic product for disinfection of toothbrushes.

Antibacterial activities of ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts of Psidium guajava and Carica papaya on bacterial pathogens isolated from manual toothbrushes

“…This report is also in agreement with this study but interestingly, this study reported greater antibacterial efficacy for ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts of P. guajava (guava) and C. papaya (paw-paw) in decontamination of toothbrushes. This antibacterial efficacy of plant extracts in controlling the microbial contamination of toothbrushes and pathogenic organisms in this study has also been reported by Vignesh et al (2017) and Bipul et al (2013).…”

“…A vast majority of the people do not know the implication of covering their toothbrush after use and even the civilized population still considers the toilet a convenient place to store their toothbrushes oblivious of the health implication and so does not consider its decontamination using any antimicrobial agent. Although rinsing with tap water is the common disinfecting protocol, it results in continued high levels of contamination (Vignesh et al, 2017). Highly contaminated toothbrushes may cause a possible constant "reinfection", which is a risk factor for periodontal disease (Goldschmidt et al, 2004).…”

Antimicrobial efficacy of charcoal vs. non-charcoal toothbrushes: A randomized controlled study

“…[ 14 ] Many studies confirm that chlorhexidine solution is considered the “gold standard antimicrobial agent” in comparison to other solutions. [ 15 16 17 ]…”

Tensile, Flexural and Hardness Properties of Guava Leaves (<i>Psidil guajava</i>) Extract Modified Coconut (<i>Cocos nucifera</i>) Shell Powder-Polymethyl Methacrylate Base Denture Composites

“…Thus, negatively influences the mechanical properties of PMMA composites couple with its lack of antimicrobial properties has remain a setback for making dental and other biomedical applications. Guava leave extract (GLE) possess antimicrobial properties [30,31], used as stimulants and antispasmodics [32], fats and malic acid [33], and use in acetylation technique for protection against biodegradation of cellulose [34]. The content of methyl methacrylate (MMA), an irritating monomer that initiates polymerization of PMMA remains a threat to human.…”