Evaluation of Sterilox for controlling microbial biofilm contamination of dental water.

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of Sterilox, a sterilizing unit that produces a hydrochlorous acid solution that controls microbial contamination as well as reduces biofilms and endotoxin in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs). A total of 15 dental units were used: 10 in the Sterilox group and 5 in the control group (treatment with Bio2000). Distilled water was used as source water. Samples were collected at the baseline, 1-day, and 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks. A scanning electron microscope was used to evaluate the biofilm in dental tubing before and after the treatment. The content of endotoxin was analyzed using the Chromogenic Limulus Method. The baseline CFU revealed high microbial counts (> 39,000 CFU/mL) in all DUWLs. After the treatment and throughout the study, the Sterilox practically eliminated the CFU in the waterlines, while the control group remained at high CFU counts similar to the baseline values. The differences between the 2 groups were significant (P < .05). The endotoxin analysis of the DUWL samples indicated that the average amount of endotoxin per milliliter increased immediately after the Sterilox shock treatment, indicating the lysis of gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin content then quickly declined and remained at an acceptable level throughout the study Endotoxin in controls fluctuated in higher levels. It was concluded that Sterilox is effective at controlling microbial contamination and reducing biofilms and endotoxin in DUWLs.