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Viability of Streptococcus mutans toothbrush bristles.
Marta Estela Saravia1, Paulo Nelson-Filho, Raquel Assed Bezerra da Silva
1National University of Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina.
Journal of Dentistry for Children (Chicago, Ill.)
|May 29, 2008
Summary
Streptococcus mutans remained viable on toothbrush bristles for up to 8 hours. After 12 hours of drying, no microbial growth was detected, indicating reduced contamination risk.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Dental caries is primarily caused by Streptococcus mutans.
- Toothbrushes can harbor viable S. mutans after use, potentially leading to reinfection.
- Understanding S. mutans survival on toothbrushes is crucial for oral hygiene practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the in vitro viability of Streptococcus mutans on toothbrush bristles.
- To assess the effect of drying time on S. mutans survival on toothbrushes.
Main Methods:
- Toothbrushes were inoculated with S. mutans (ATCC 25175) at 1,720,000 cfu/mL.
- Inoculated toothbrushes were dried for varying periods (0-72 hours) at room temperature.
- Bacterial viability was assessed using selective enrichment broth (CaSaB) culture medium.
Main Results:
- S. mutans was viable on toothbrushes for up to 8 hours.
- No S. mutans growth was observed on toothbrushes after 12 hours of drying.
- A statistically significant decrease in S. mutans viable count was noted after 12 hours (P<.01).
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus mutans remains viable on toothbrush bristles for a limited period (up to 8 hours).
- Drying toothbrushes for at least 12 hours effectively eliminates S. mutans.
- These findings support the importance of adequate toothbrush drying for reducing oral microbial load.
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