Comparative evaluation of ultraviolet and microwave sanitization techniques for toothbrush decontamination

Abstract

Background:Toothbrushes are rapidly contaminated with different microorganisms representing a possible cause of infection or reinfection especially in the periodontal patients under therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sanitization of toothbrushes previously contaminated by various oral microorganisms using a domestic microwave oven and commercial ultraviolet (UV) light toothbrush sanitizer.Materials and Methods:Thirty male dental graduates were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups and received standardized toothbrushes for home use. Each subject was instructed to use it with the standardized modified Bass technique for 1 week and submit it to the investigator after use. Collected toothbrushes were cultured and analyzed for the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). In the next phase, once again a new set of toothbrush was given to each subject and instructed to use it for one more week and follow the same instructions as given earlier. Subsequently, the used toothbrushes were again collected and were sanitized by microwave irradiation, UV radiation, or were not sanitized (control group). After the sanitization procedure, toothbrushes were again cultured for the number of CFUs. The collected data of the presanitized and postsanitized CFU count were log transformed to normalize their distributions prior to analysis. Furthermore, log CFU data were compared and analyzed by one-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc procedure, and paired t-test for the difference in the mean at P<0.05.Results:Result showed that after the sanitization procedure, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction in microbial contamination in both microwave and UV group toothbrushes compared to control group toothbrushes whereas the microbial count in the microwave group was significantly less (P<0.001) compared to the UV group.Conclusions:The evidence presented in this study suggests that microwave irradiation is an effective disinfectant agent for bacteria and fungi on toothbrushes.

Comparative Evaluation of Ultraviolet, Microwave and Antimicrobial Sterilization Techniques for Toothbrush Decontamination

“…In our study it was also found that most effective method for sanitization of toothbrushes is microwave irradiation followed by UV rays and then chlorhexidine gluconate solution. These results were in accordance with a study done by Gujjari et al [26] where they found that microwave irradiation is an effective means of sterilization when compared to UV radiation as in microwave irradiation thermal effect on cellular content of microorganisms results in rupture of cell membrane and leakage of nucleic acid & protein from cells leading to cell death or cell lysis. Chibebe et al [27] reported that exposure to microwave irradiation at 2450 MHz results in bacterial inactivation.…”

“…To prevent or minimize the chances of infection or re-infection numerous ways are available like Microwave, ultraviolet rays and antimicrobial solutions (Chemicals: chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, Listerine and several dentifrices; natural agents: garlic and tea tree oil extracts) [13,14] However, no systematic review is available which can be an effective intervention for sanitization. Thus, the present investigation was designed to study the antimicrobial efficacy of sanitization of toothbrushes using: ultraviolet light sanitizer, domestic microwave oven, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate and to estimate the microbial contamination of toothbrushes when stored: Inside the bathroom and Outside the bathroom.…”

Evaluating sanitization of toothbrushes using ultra violet rays and 0.2% chlorhexidine solution: A comparative clinical study

“…Toothbrushes may become heavily contaminated with microorganisms from the oral cavity, environment, hands, aerosol contamination, and storage containers. [ 1 ] Micro-organisms that attaches, accumulate, and survive on toothbrushes may be transmitted to the individual, which in turn can further cause diseases. [ 2 ]…”

“…Procedures for the decontamination of toothbrushes would prevent the risks of reinfection or infection by other pathogenic microorganisms from the environment. [ 1 ] Over the years, numerous methods of toothbrush sanitization have been put forward, such as exposure to ultraviolet light and microwaves, disinfectant tablets, and immersion in solutions such as Clorox and antimicrobial agents. [ 8 ]…”

Assessment of microbial contamination on twice a day used toothbrush head after 1-month and 3 months: An in vitro study

“…[ 3 ] Occasionally, toothbrushes belonging to different members of the same family may be in direct contact when stored in the same toothbrush holder or keep together in bathroom drawers or cabinets or brush box. [ 4 ]…”