| 1392 Effects of Chlorhexidine-coated Bristles on Residual Microbial Contamination of Toothbrushes | ||
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J.D. TURNER, M.C. GOLDSCHMIDT, D.P. WARREN, and H.J. KEENE, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, USA Previous studies have shown that toothbrushes harbor and transmit microorganisms. Patients can re-infect themselves with these contaminated toothbrushes. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the residual microbial contamination of toothbrushes containing chlorhexidine-coated bristles (experimental brush) for three periodontal pathogens Provetella species (Ps), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and total non-specific microflora (TC). Methods: Twenty patients meeting periodontal inclusion criteria were placed in one of the following groups: Group 1a: quadrants 1&4 brushed with the experimental brush (10 patients), Group 1b: quadrants 2&3 from group 1a brushed with control brush, Group 2a: quadrants 2&3 brushed with the experimental brush (10 patients), Group 2b: quadrants 1&4 from group 2a brushed with the control brush. Teeth were brushed without toothpaste using the Bass method for 30 sec. by a dental hygienist. Toothbrushes were rinsed for 5 sec. with water, tapped 3 times and stored in air for 24 hrs, then cultured anaerobically after vortexing. The plates were suitably incubated and counted. Results: Counts (CFU per ml) were made for Ps (control=4.6x103, experimental=1.3x103); Pg (control=9.0x106, experimental=1.6x106); Aa (control=1.7x105, experimental=7.8x104) and TC (control=3.8x107 experimental=1.1x107). Data were analyzed parametrically (paired t-tests) as well as non-parametrically (Wilcoxon signed-rank test) and differences between control and experimental groups for all organisms were significant at p< 0.01. Conclusions: Preliminary data indicated that there was a significant antimicrobial effect of toothbrushes containing chlorhexidine coated-bristles on both the residual count of these three periodontal pathogens as well as on the residual total counts of all organisms harbored on the toothbrushes. Supported in part by John O. Butler Co. | ||
| Seq #173 - Toothbrushes - Manual and Power, Toothpaste, and Oral Health Needs 3:45 PM-5:00 PM, Friday, 14 March 2003 Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Exhibit Hall C | ||
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