The efficacy of a toothbrush disinfectant spray--an in vitro study.
OBJECTIVE
Toothbrushes are contaminated by micro-organisms which may be sources of infection, re-infection or cross infection. The object of this research is to test the efficacy of a proprietary toothbrush spray disinfectant (Brushtox) against specific test bacteria and fungi and to consider its potential.


METHODS
Three bacteria and two fungi representing a broad microbial spectrum with relevance to oral bacteria were used in four laboratory tests including an in vitro toothbrush disinfection test.


RESULTS
Brushtox proved to be almost 100% effective in three tests and showed significant inhibitory action in the standard agar diffusion test.


CONCLUSIONS
Brushtox is an effective disinfectant agent for bacteria and fungi on toothbrushes. The solution may be valuable in the control of a wide variety of oral infections and secondary infections, especially in frail or debilitated individuals or those on immuno-suppressive therapy, and also in healthy individuals.
Neal
Peter R
PR
Hillmeadow Lighthorne, Warwick, UK. peter_neal@ic24.net
Rippin
John W
JW
D000336:Aerosols; D000362:Agar; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000187:drug effects; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000382:microbiology; D019551:Dental Disinfectants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D010226:Parabens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000187:drug effects; D012475:Salmonella / Q000187:drug effects; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014249:Trichophyton / Q000187:drug effects
D000336:Aerosols; D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D010226:Parabens; D000431:Ethanol; D000362:Agar