Comparison of Antiseptic Mouthrinse Products on Toothbrush Disinfection

The toothbrush can serve as a reservoir for microorganisms. Submersion of toothbrushes in an antiseptic mouthrinse solution may reduce or eliminate contaminating organisms. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the submersion times of toothbrush heads in two mouthrinses to prevent the growth of C. albicans. Methods: Toothbrush heads (Plaksmacker) were sterilized (Sterrad) and then dipped in a saline suspension containing C. albicans. The heads were incubated at 37±2șC for 3 days to allow adhesion of the C. albicans to the bristles. The heads (n=10) were submerged in two different mouthrinses (Listerine, Listerine Natural Citrus, McNeil-PPC, Inc.) for 90, 105 and 120 minutes. Water submersion was used as a positive control. After submersion the heads were rinsed with sterile water and placed in trypticase soy broth. The broths were incubated at 37±2șC and examined for turbidity for one week. All turbid TSBs were subcultured to verify the presence of C. albicans. Results: For both Listerine and Listerine Natural Citrus, 50% of the cultures were negative at 90 minutes and 100% of the cultures were negative at 105 and 120 minutes. Conclusion: Of the times tested, one hour, forty-five minutes of submersion of the toothbrush head in the either mouthrinse was necessary to prevent the growth of C. albicans.