Perceptions about toothbrush contamination and disinfection among dental students in Bengaluru City: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Toothbrushes are vital to remove dental biofilm and to prevent dental caries and periodontal disease. Repeated use of toothbrushes leads to contamination; hence, disinfection is essential in the maintenance of a brush. Current understanding and perception among dental students about toothbrush contamination and disinfection are essential. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions about toothbrush contamination and disinfection among postgraduates and interns in Bengaluru city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire among 400 postgraduates and interns from five dental colleges in Bengaluru. The statistics were computed with the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software and Chi-square test was used. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference regarding the source of information on tooth brush contamination (P = 0.008) and common mode of transmission of contamination (P = 0.01) between the two groups. The difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.01) regarding sharing of toothpaste. Only less than half of the participants, in both the groups practiced disinfection. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant difference in the perceptions about tooth brush contamination and disinfection among postgraduates and interns that might be attributed to their higher academic knowledge and clinical experience.

Dentinal Tubule Occluding Effect of Potassium Nitrate in Varied Forms, Frequencies and Duration: An In vitro SEM Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dentinal hypersensitivity is an exaggerated response to non-noxious sensory stimuli (osmotic, thermal or mechanical changes). An inverse relationship between occluding open tubules and the intensity of sensitivity has been reported. Studies on the efficacy of potassium nitrate used in different forms and frequencies to occlude dentinal tubules are scarce. AIM: To evaluate, in vitro the dentinal tubule occluding effect of potassium nitrate which differ in form, frequency and duration of application. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an in vitro study, 45 extracted human maxillary and mandibular premolars were sectioned using diamond disc to obtain 90 samples which were treated with 6% citric acid and were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 was treated with potassium nitrate toothpaste (once and twice daily for two minutes); Group 2 with potassium nitrate mouthwash (once and twice daily for two minutes) and Group 3 served as control (distilled water). Post-treatment, the samples were immersed in distilled water. The samples were subjected to Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) at the end of 3, 7 and 14 days. SEM photographs were analysed based on extent of tubular occlusion. Chi-square test was applied to assess the significant difference between the groups. RESULTS: There was detectable difference in the dentinal tubule occlusion at the end of 3rd, 7th and 14th day between three groups. When compared to the mouthwash, toothpaste yielded better results. Twice daily application for a period of two minutes each was better when compared to once daily for two minutes. CONCLUSION: Potassium nitrate is effective in occluding dentinal tubules when applied twice daily in toothpaste form than mouthwash form. However, randomised control trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in human subjects.