title: Effectiveness of alternative methods for toothbrush disinfection: an in vitro study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative methods for toothbrush disinfection.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two-hundred eighty toothbrushes were included in the study. The toothbrushes were divided into 7 groups and were contaminated by standardized suspensions of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The following disinfectants were tested: 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 100% and 50% white vinegar, microwave (MW) oven, ultraviolet (UV) sanitizer, and mouth rinse-containing propolis (MCP). Data were analyzed with Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistically significant differences were found between different methods and control group for all tested bacteria. There were statistically significant differences between all test groups for all microorganisms. MW was the most effective for L. rhamnosus and 100% white vinegar was the most effective method for S. mutans and S. aureus. NaOCl was the most effective for E. coli.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study showed that 100% white vinegar was considered to be effective for tested microorganisms. Similarly, 1% NaOCl is cost-effective, easily accessible, and comparatively effective for toothbrush disinfection. Because these agents are nontoxic, cost-effective and easily accessible, they may be appropriate for household use.
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, 82 Sokak, No. 4, Emek, 06510 Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Ilkay
authors: I
authors: Peker
authors: Department of Medical Microbiology, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, 82 Sokak, No. 4, Emek, 06510 Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Gulcin
authors: G
authors: Akca
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, 82 Sokak, No. 4, Emek, 06510 Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Cigdem
authors: C
authors: Sarikir
authors: Department of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, 82 Sokak, No. 4, Emek, 06510 Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Meryem Toraman
authors: 0000-0003-0908-8304
authors: MT
authors: Alkurt
authors: Department of Medical Microbiology, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, 82 Sokak, No. 4, Emek, 06510 Ankara, Turkey.
authors: Irem
authors: I
authors: Celik
mesh_terms: D019342:Acetic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D003742:Dental Devices, Home Care / Q000382:microbiology*; D019551:Dental Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D052201:Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D008872:Microwaves; D011429:Propolis / Q000494:pharmacology; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite / Q000494:pharmacology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D013295:Streptococcus mutans / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
chemical_list: D019551:Dental Disinfectants; D011429:Propolis; D012973:Sodium Hypochlorite; D019342:Acetic Acid