EVALUATION OF CONTAMINATION BY PATHOGENIC MICROORGANISMS AND CARE WITH TOOTHBRUSHES

Abstract

Introduction: As important as the practice of brushing teeth is the way these brushes are stored since incorrect storage can lead to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause damage to the individual. Objective: The objective was to verify if the storage of toothbrushes is being carried out correctly and verify contamination by pathogenic microorganisms. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 brushes were collected from patients at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of a private university in Rio de Janeiro. A questionnaire was applied to the guardians, containing questions such as age, gender, brushing frequency, the toothpaste brand, use of dental floss and mouthwash, the form of storage, and the use of orthodontic appliances, mobile or fixed. After collection, the brushes were taken to the laboratory. The bacterial identification process was carried out by macroscopic analysis of the plates for identification in differential culture media, Gram staining, and microscopic analysis. Results and Discussion: The age of the patients ranged between 4 and 13 years, 85% of the volunteers were male, 80% brushed their teeth three times a day, 65% stored the toothbrush in containers above the sink, and 65% of the samples were contaminated by Staphylococcus aureus. The use of a toothbrush is essential for oral hygiene, however, this instrument can be a source of contamination when not stored properly. Conclusion: All evaluated toothbrushes showed some contamination, regardless of the way of storage.