Multisite Evaluation of Toothbrushes and Microbial Growth in the Hospital Setting

This observational, descriptive study was conducted to determine the prevalence of microbial growth on toothbrushes found in hospital patient rooms. METHODS: Toothbrush sampling was conducted in 136 acute care hospitals and medical centers from November 2018 through February 2022. Inclusion criteria for the units and patient rooms sampled were as follows: general adult medical-surgical units or critical care units; rooms occupied by adults 18 years or older who were capable of (1) mobilizing to the bathroom; (2) using a standard manual, bristled toothbrush; and (3) room did not have signage indicating isolation procedures. RESULTS: A total of 5340 patient rooms were surveyed. Of the rooms included, 46% (2455) of patients did not have a toothbrush available or had not used a toothbrush (still in package and/or toothpaste not opened). Of the used toothbrushes collected (n = 1817): 48% (872/1817) had at least 1 organism; 14% (251/1817) of the toothbrushes were positive for 3 or more organisms. CONCLUSIONS: These results identify the lack of availability of toothbrushes for patients and support the need for hospitals to incorporate a rigorous, consistent, and comprehensive oral care program to address the evident risk of microbe exposure in the oral cavity.