title: Efficacy of microwaves and chlorhexidine on the disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes: an in vitro study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate, in vitro, the contamination of toothbrushes and pacifiers by Streptococcus mutans, and the efficacy of microwave and chlorhexidine for their disinfection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty pacifiers and 60 toothbrushes were contaminated with S mutans and then divided into groups according to the disinfection protocol: Group 1-chlorhexidine solution; Group 2-microwave sterilization; and Group 3-sterile tap water. The devices were evaluated microbiologically as to the formation of S mutans colonies/biofilms and were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results were submitted for statistical analysis by Friedman's test at a 5% significance level.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results of both types of evaluation showed a large number of S mutans colonies/biofilms after spraying with sterile tap water, and chlorhexidine spraying and microwaving were effective in eliminate colonies/biofilms. Groups 1 and 2 were statistically similar to each other (P>.05) and differed significantly from Group 3 (P<.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The 0.12% chlorhexidine solution spray and 7 minutes of microwave irradiation were effective for disinfection of pacifiers and toothbrushes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Clinic, Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo Brazil. nelson@forp.usp.br
authors.forename: Paulo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nelson-Filho
authors.forename: Léa Assed Bezerra
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Raquel Assed Bezerra
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Ds Silva
authors.forename: Luciana Lima
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: da Silva
authors.forename: Paula Dariana Fernandes
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Ferreira
authors.forename: Izabel Yoko
authors.initials: IY
authors.lastname: Ito
mesh_terms: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018441:Biofilms / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000382:microbiology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008872:Microwaves; D041361:Pacifiers / Q000382:microbiology*; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine