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Microorganisms on toothbrushes at day-care centers
E Malmberg1, D Birkhed, G Norvenius
1Department of Pedodontics, Faculty of Odontology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Acta Odontologica Scandinavica
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Unsupervised toothbrushing in day-care centers harbors diverse bacteria, including streptococci and staphylococci. While serious pathogens weren't found, the general hygiene of this practice warrants concern.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Pediatric Dentistry
Background:
- Toothbrushing is a daily hygiene practice for children.
- Day-care centers provide a communal environment where microorganisms can be transmitted.
- The microbial flora on children's toothbrushes in day-care settings is not well-characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial composition of toothbrushes used by children in day-care centers.
- To assess the potential risk of microorganism transmission associated with unsupervised toothbrushing.
- To evaluate the general hygienic implications of toothbrushing practices in day-care facilities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microflora from 44 toothbrushes across 4 day-care centers.
- Microbiological culturing to identify bacterial and fungal species.
- Assessment of unsupervised toothbrushing without toothpaste, performed twice daily.
Main Results:
- Streptococci (e.g., S. salivarius, S. sanguis, S. mitis) were the most prevalent microorganisms (approx. 50%).
- Haemophilus species were found in 82% of samples; Staphylococci in 86%.
- Fungi were present in 50% of samples; enteric organisms were noted at one center. Beta-hemolytic streptococci were absent.
Conclusions:
- Unsupervised toothbrushing in day-care centers harbors a significant microbial load.
- The practice raises general hygiene concerns rather than a high risk of transmitting severe pathogens.
- Further investigation into supervised oral hygiene practices in day-care settings is recommended.