The use of sodium hypochlorite for toothbrushes decontamination: in vitro study

AbstractAimTooth brushing is a method used to control the dental biofilm; however, toothbrush can be a contamination medium by microorganisms after its utilization, with significant weaknesses in relation to those disinfection methods, mainly on collective use.ObjectiveThis study had as objective to evaluate the decontamination of toothbrushes contaminated in vitro using 0,08% sodium hypochlorite during different periods (5, 10 and 15 minutes).Material and methodIt was studied 72 toothbrushes distributed in 6 groups according to the microorganism used for contamination, as follow: group 1 for Escherichia coli; group 2 for Stafilococcus aureus; group 3 for Streptococcus pyogenes; group 4 for Enterococus faecalis; group 5 for a mix of all bacteria; and group 6 for control group. After contamination, all groups were immersed into 0,08% sodium hypochlorite solution during 5, 10 and 15 minutes, and it was considered as positive for disinfection no turbidity of the immersion medium.ResultDuring the period of 5 minutes in immersion, it occurred the disinfection of the groups 2 and 3; during 10 minutes period, there was the disinfection of the groups 1, 2 and 3; after 15 minutes in immersion, all the 5 groups were disinfected.ConclusionThe use of 0,08% sodium hypochlorite was effective in the decontamination of the toothbrushes contaminated by Escherichia coli, Stafilococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, during an immersion period of 15 minutes.