Open AccessMICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF IN-USE TOOTHBRUSHES AND THEIR DECONTAMINATION USING DISINFECTION: A HOSPITAL BASED PILOT STUDY
Author(s) -
Shriya Choubey,
Khyati Jain,
Somendra K. Dhariwal,
Ruchita Dixit,
Smita Bawankar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
international journal of advanced research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2320-5407
DOI - 10.21474/ijar01/13459
Subject(s) - toothbrush , medicine , dentistry , human decontamination , hygiene , brush , pathology , electrical engineering , engineering
and Aim: Purpose of this study is to sensitize healthcare givers about the significance of toothbrush acting as fomites and this study aimed at highlighting importance of disinfecting in-use toothbrushes. Material and Method: This was a randomized control trial involving 30 patients. 15 were given distilled water and 15 were given 70% ethyl alcohol for disinfecting in-use toothbrushes, which were then microbiologically tested after 7 days of use. Results: Finding of this study showed 70% alcohol was highly effective in decontaminating used toothbrushes. Conclusion: In-use toothbrushes become highly contaminated after use and can act as fomites for transmitting infections. Thus, proper instructions for use of toothbrushes should be given to patients and public.