Abstract
In an attempt to establish the reasonable method of washing and sterilizing the bulk of the toothbrushes inseverely handicapped in-patients, several maneuvers were compared.
Anaerobic bacteria were effectively and satisfactorily reduced by immersing brushes in 0.5% glutaraldehyde and rinsing with tap water, or by washing brushes thoroughly for 30 minutes with 70°C running water, while unacceptable number of bacteria remained attached to the brushes when brushes were washed with tap water for 30 minutes, immersed in 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, ordryed by a high-temperature (85°C) dryer. Similar results were obtained when brushes were in tentionally contaminated with some pathogens. Sterilization by applying microwaves for 5 minutes to either wet brushes or dry ones in a microwave oven was also satisfactory.
Because of potential toxicity of remaining glutaraldehyde and easiness and convenience of the method, washing with hot water is considered the choice of method.
