Efficacy of titanium dioxide nanoparticle spray to disinfect mobile phones used by endodontist: A bacteriological study

AIM: The objectives of this study were to determine the bacterial contamination of the mobile phones that were used by the endodontist in comparison with the general dentist and also to determine the usefulness of titanium dioxide nanospray (TiO(2) NS) in mobile phone decontamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples from the 60 mobile phones were taken using moist sterile swabs before, 10 min, and 1 week after the use of TiO(2) NS. Before collection of the swabs, the participants' informed consent was obtained. Samples obtained were cultured on blood agar to identify bacterial isolates. RESULTS: All 60 mobile phone cultures were found to be culture positive. There was a significant reduction in the mean number of colony-forming units after decontamination with TiO(2) NS (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study showed that the mobile phones may act as an important source of nosocomial pathogens and TiO(2) NS would be an effective decontaminant. Therefore, it is important for dental professionals to practice routine mobile phone disinfection protocol to reduce the chances of occurrence of nosocomial infections.