Retention of Microorganisms in Commercially available Toothbrushes with different Tuft Anchoring Technology – A Comparative SEM based study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the retention of microbes in two different types of commercially available
toothbrushes manufactured with different tuft anchoring technology.
Materials and Methods: 60 toothbrushes of which 30 were manufactured by in-mold tufting technology and 30
were manufactured by staple-set tufting technology respectively, were distributed among 30 patients with carious
lesions and poor oral hygiene. The patients used these toothbrushes for brushing under unvarying conditions. The
toothbrushes were subsequently collected and examined for the presence of streptococci and lactobacilli in the
brushes. This examination was done at 3 different time frames. The toothbrushes were also examined under the
Scanning Electron Microscope for the presence of spaces that could act as a potential reservoir for microorganisms.
Results:In our study, it was seen that immediately after brushing, more microorganisms were retained in
toothbrushes manufactured by in-mold tufting technology compared to toothbrushes manufactured by staple – pin
tufting technology as determined by paired t-test. Though microorganisms were retained in both the brushes after 2
hours and 8 hours of brushing, the difference was not statistically significant. More colonies of streptococci were
found compared to L. bacilli.
Conclusion: All commercially available toothbrushes retain a substantial amount of microorganisms irrespective of
their manufacturing technology. There is a need for the fabrication of toothbrushes with better bristle anchoring
techniques to reduce the retained microbial load in the toothbrush.