Efficacy of various disinfectants on microbially contaminated toothbrushes due to brushing

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfectant agents in decontaminating the toothbrushes, and to educate the children, parents and the community on the decontamination of toothbrushes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy male children in the age range of 8–11 years were enrolled. They were divided into five groups of 10 each and provided with toothbrushes and disinfectants. Instructions were given to the children and the toothbrushes were collected after brushing and cultured for the growth of microorganisms. The efficacy of Hexidine(®), 3.0% hydrogen peroxide and Listerine(®) and Dettol(®) were evaluated. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Hexidine, 3.0% hydrogen peroxide and Listerine showed 100% efficacy, whereas Dettol showed 40% effectiveness in decontaminating the toothbrushes. Water as a control showed the least effectiveness in cleaning the toothbrushes. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that 3.0% hydrogen peroxide is the most economical and effective disinfectant when compared with the other disinfectants.