OBJECTIVES: Toothbrushes are contaminated by micro-organisms which may be sources of infection, re-infection or cross infection. The object of this research is to test the efficacy of a proprietary toothbrush spray disinfectant (Brushtox) against specific test bacteria and fungi and to consider its potential. METHODS: Three bacteria and two fungi representing a broad microbial spectrum with relevance to oral bacteria were used in four laboratory tests including an in vitro toothbrush disinfection test. RESULTS: Brushtox proved to be almost 100% effective in three tests and showed significant inhibitory action in the standard agar diffusion test. CONCLUSION: Brushtox is an effective disinfectant agent for bacteria and fungi on toothbrushes. The solution may be valuable in the control of a wide variety of oral infections and secondary infections, especially in frail or debilitated individuals or those on immuno-suppressive therapy, and also in healthy individuals.
OBJECTIVES: Toothbrushes are contaminated by micro-organisms which may be sources of infection, re-infection or cross infection. The object of this research is to test the efficacy of a proprietary toothbrush spray disinfectant (Brushtox) against specific test bacteria and fungi and to consider its potential. METHODS: Three bacteria and two fungi representing a broad microbial spectrum with relevance to oral bacteria were used in four laboratory tests including an in vitro toothbrush disinfection test. RESULTS: Brushtox proved to be almost 100% effective in three tests and showed significant inhibitory action in the standard agar diffusion test. CONCLUSION: Brushtox is an effective disinfectant agent for bacteria and fungi on toothbrushes. The solution may be valuable in the control of a wide variety of oral infections and secondary infections, especially in frail or debilitated individuals or those on immuno-suppressive therapy, and also in healthy individuals.