Sterilization of Toothbrushes using Ultraviolet-C Light against Streptococcus Mutans Bacteria

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus mutans bacteria are the dominant cariogenic bacteria that can be found in dental caries and are able to survive and reproduce at low pH. Toothbrush storage is related to environmental humidity and existing bacteria. Bacterial growth is 70% higher in wet and closed environments, bacteria from the oral cavity can be carried on the toothbrush. Aim: This research is to produce a model for storing toothbrushes with ultraviolet-C against the growth of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Materials and Method: Research with Research and Development (R&D) method with a quantitative approach with 5 stages, namely information gathering, model design, expert validation and revision, model trials, and model results. The design used is Randomize Pretest-Posttest with Control Group Design using 5, 10, and 15 minutes of ultraviolet-C treatment groups and a control group of toothbrushes stored standing without treatment using ultraviolet-C. Results: The results of model expert validation using the aiken-v test showed 0.810, meaning that all question items were declared valid. The ICC results show 0.000, meaning that the toothbrush storage model with ultraviolet-C is feasible as an effort to reduce the number of Streptococcus mutans bacterial colonies. Two-Way Anova results show 0.000, meaning that there is a significant time difference between the control group and the 5, 10, and 15 minute sterilization groups. Post-Hoc LSD results showed 0.000, meaning there was a significant difference in the 5, 10, 15 minute treatment group, and the control group. The Pearson Sig. (2-tailed) correlation result is 0.000, meaning that there is a significant relationship between the length of time and the number of Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The results of the bacterial repetition test showed that 15 minutes was the most effective time to kill Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The results showed that the average number of bacteria decreased by 74%, 86%, and 100% after using ultraviolet-C for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Obtained showed that 15 minutes was the most effective for killing Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Conclusion: The results showed that the average number of bacteria decreased by 74%, 86%, and 100% after using ultraviolet-C for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Developing a model for storing toothpaste with ultraviolet- C for 15 minutes is effective in reducing Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Keywords: Streptococcus mutans, toothbrush, Ultraviolet-C