Jillian Shanelle P. Andam | Tricia Anne Nicole D. Bascos | Eloysa P. Binonwangan
Joressa Joy B. Doria | Mae Anne M. Florencio | Clarence P. Hill
Jelyne D. Kim | Reinaline T. Malinao
School of Dentistry
Dr. Maria Lourdes E. Cantor, Adviser
ABSTRACT
Good oral hygiene does not concern only the oral cavity but also toothbrush disinfection. The toothbrush can be a potential niche of microorganisms and it cannot be cleaned by merely flushing with water. A solution with an antimicrobial property is therefore needed to reduce the number of bacteria in toothbrushes. This study aimed to test the effectiveness of 4.5% white vinegar, 3% hydrogen peroxide and commercial mouthwash in toothbrush disinfection and determine which of these agents is the most effective in disinfecting contaminated toothbrushes. Toothbrushes were distributed to sixteen individuals, eight using covered toothbrushes and eight using uncovered toothbrushes with no particular instructions on tooth brushing technique. After seven days, the toothbrushes were collected then soaked in distilled water for 30 minutes. The wash collected was treated with vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and commercial mouthwash with the ratio of 1 ml of wash and 1 ml of disinfecting agent then streaked in the nutrient agar for incubation. Colony counting was done after 24 hours. After colony counting, it was concluded that the three agents are all effective in toothbrush disinfection in both covered and uncovered toothbrushes. Based on the study, hydrogen peroxide is the most effective disinfectant followed by vinegar Commercial mouthwash is the least effective. Also, covered toothbrushes had the most abundant increase in bacterial colony compared to uncovered toothbrushes.
Key words: Disinfection, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, commercial mouthwash
